by Jeffrey Roach, PhD, Chief Economist, LPL Financial
Additional content provided by Colby Hesson, Analyst, Research
The 2024 calendar year is coming to a close after a very eventful year. As the dust settles on 2024, itâs important to think about the positive notes we are ending the year on. Here are five things that LPL Research is thankful for, in no particular order.
#1) Well-Greased Supply Chains, Especially in Light of Upcoming Holiday Sales
Over the last few years, supply chains have started to work very well, moving back towards pre-pandemic numbers. This is a good sign, as supply constraints had been a major driver of the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) deflator, the Federal Reserveâs (Fed) preferred inflation metric. In recent months, businesses have been able to manage inventories, especially important with the holiday season coming. We could expect middle- and upper-income households to drive consumer spending.
Fewer Supply Constraints Should Soften Inflation Pressures
Pressure on Supply Chains Are Below Average
Source: LPL Research, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco 11/20/24
#2) Improved Housing Affordability (because of higher incomes)
For the first time since early March, the Housing Affordability Index rose above 100 (higher is better). A value of 100 means a buyer with median income has just enough to qualify for a mortgage on a median-priced home. Existing home sales have risen slowly over the last month, but the pace of sales is still below pre-pandemic rates. As wages and income outpace the rate of inflation, households have a bit more capacity to enter the real estate market despite elevated prices.
Housing Affordability Improved Last Month
Growth in Median Income Is the Driving Force
Source: LPL Research, National Assoc of Realtors, 11/22/24
#3)Â Increased Traffic of Prospective Home Buyers
Homebuilders upgraded their six-month outlook on residential real estate after observing increased traffic of prospective buyers. Low inventory and high mortgage rates have made prospective home buyers hesitant to commit in an uncertain market. However, now that the Fed has cut interest rates and the job market is stable, prospective buyers have emerged, giving a lift in the residential construction market.
Prospective Buyer Traffic Improved Recently
Homebuilders Have Upgraded 2025 Outlook
Source: LPL Research, Natl Assoc of Home Builders, Bankrate, 11/20/24
#4) Rate Cuts That Will Likely Continue in 2025
In September the Fed ended the most aggressive rate-hiking cycle in decades. Since then, the Fed has cut rates by a total of 75 basis points (bps), and we expect these cuts to continue in 2025. The market originally anticipated an aggressive rate-cutting cycle throughout 2024-25, but with economic data coming in better than expected, those expectations are coming down. In our view, after weeks of markets pricing in too many rate cuts throughout 2025, Fed rate cut pricing is now better aligned with economic data. Currently, markets still expect the Fed to cut rates below 4% by the end of 2025.
#5) Lower Inflation
The U.S. is coming off some of the highest inflation rates since the 1990s. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is doing what it can to get to its current goal of a 2% level of inflation.
Prices rose 0.2% from a month ago, the same monthly pace as July, August, and September as inflation is finding its balance. Clothing, communications, and household furnishings decreased in October, but shelter, used vehicles, airfare, and medical care rose during the month.
Meat, fish, and egg prices fell over 1.2%, the largest monthly decline since May 2023, easing pressure on household budgets. The sticky components of inflation continue to ease, giving the Fed some leeway to cut rates over the next 12 months. The strength of some cohorts of consumers is keeping upward pressure on prices as consumer spending hasnât slowed yet. Stronger-than-expected economic growth is likely keeping bond yields elevated alongside prospects of protectionist trade policy and continued deficit spending.
*****
Important Disclosures
This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. There is no assurance that the views or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, please consult your financial professional prior to investing.
Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal. No investment strategy or risk management technique can guarantee return or eliminate risk.
Indexes are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. Index performance is not indicative of the performance of any investment and does not reflect fees, expenses, or sales charges. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.
This material was prepared by LPL Financial, LLC. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.
Unless otherwise stated LPL Financial and the third party persons and firms mentioned are not affiliates of each other and make no representation with respect to each other. Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services.
Asset Class Disclosures â
International investing involves special risks such as currency fluctuation and political instability and may not be suitable for all investors. These risks are often heightened for investments in emerging markets.
Bonds are subject to market and interest rate risk if sold prior to maturity.
Municipal bonds are subject and market and interest rate risk and potentially capital gains tax if sold prior to maturity. Interest income may be subject to the alternative minimum tax. Municipal bonds are federally tax-free but other state and local taxes may apply.
Preferred stock dividends are paid at the discretion of the issuing company. Preferred stocks are subject to interest rate and credit risk. They may be subject to a call features.
Alternative investments may not be suitable for all investors and involve special risks such as leveraging the investment, potential adverse market forces, regulatory changes and potentially illiquidity. The strategies employed in the management of alternative investments may accelerate the velocity of potential losses.
Mortgage backed securities are subject to credit, default, prepayment, extension, market and interest rate risk.
High yield/junk bonds (grade BB or below) are below investment grade securities, and are subject to higher interest rate, credit, and liquidity risks than those graded BBB and above. They generally should be part of a diversified portfolio for sophisticated investors.
Precious metal investing involves greater fluctuation and potential for losses.
The fast price swings of commodities will result in significant volatility in an investor's holdings.
This research material has been prepared by LPL Financial LLC.
Not Insured by FDIC/NCUA or Any Other Government Agency | Not Bank/Credit Union Deposits or Obligations | Not Bank/Credit Union Guaranteed | May Lose Value
For Public Use â Tracking: 664039
Copyright © LPL Financial