Back To The Old Normal?

Check out the accompanying pdf and chart collection. Executive Summary: Fed Chair Powell has put the kibosh on financial markets’ wishful thinking that the Fed will start easing monetary policy next year. How will the Fed—and investors—know when it has achieved optimal tightening, with monetary policy restrictive enough to tame inflation but not enough to touch off a recession? “Immaculate disinflation” has proven elusive in the past, but we think it’s possible today. A federal funds rate of 3.00%-4.00% might be the sweet spot, harkening back to the “Old Normal” before the 2008 financial crisis. … Also: Indicators suggest the broad economy is growing this quarter, though certain sectors aren’t. … And: Dr. Ed reviews “Candy” (+ + +).