The Federal Reserve’s Rate Cut, CPI Data, and China’s Economic Response: A Macro Perspective

As the global economy navigates a complex landscape of inflationary pressures, natural disasters, and geopolitical tensions, investors and policymakers alike are paying close attention to how the Federal Reserve and major global players such as China respond. The most recent U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, paired with ongoing developments in China’s fiscal policy, highlights the delicate balancing act central banks and governments are performing to maintain economic stability. In this post, we break down key takeaways from the latest CPI report, Federal Reserve actions, and China’s economic stimulus efforts.

CPI Report: Navigating the Goldilocks Zone of Inflation

The latest CPI report from the U.S., along with jobless claims data, delivered a mixed picture, suggesting inflation remains a crucial but manageable factor in the broader economic outlook. While year-on-year core inflation came in slightly above expectations at 3.3% compared to 3.2%, analysts noted that the six-month annualized trend for core CPI is showing a more favorable decline, settling at approximately 2.6%​. This easing of inflation, particularly in shelter costs, which had previously been a significant concern for the Federal Reserve, provides some relief as shelter inflation appears to be moderating.

Although core inflation is still above the Fed’s 2% target, the Fed may not be overly concerned about this minor deviation. It seems the Fed would be happy if things stabilized in the 2.7%-3.2% range, a range that could support nominal growth and help address the U.S. deficit​. This signals that while inflation remains a key metric, the Federal Reserve may not react dramatically unless inflation worsens significantly.

With the data indicating that inflation is stabilizing rather than spiraling out of control, the consensus is that the Fed is likely to continue its gradual path of rate cuts. Current CPI numbers suggest that they are “benign” and should allow the Fed to proceed with the market’s expected 25 basis point rate cuts per meeting​ (but be prepared for 50bps cuts).

Rate Cuts and the Fed’s Changing Priorities

Despite the relative stability in inflation, the Federal Reserve’s aggressive stance on rate cuts raises questions about the broader economic picture. The 50 basis point rate cut earlier this year, followed by further expectations of gradual cuts, appears to be motivated by factors beyond the inflation picture alone. Core inflation has indeed moderated, but the Fed’s shift away from hawkish rhetoric—such as no longer emphasizing the previously critical “Supercore” inflation data—indicates a subtle shift in priorities​.

Rather than focusing exclusively on inflation, the Fed seems increasingly concerned with broader economic uncertainty. With natural disasters, like Hurricane Helena, distorting economic data, there is a growing sense of caution about making aggressive policy moves based on unreliable indicators​. This was highlighted in the most recent jobless claims report, which saw a spike due to hurricane-related evacuations. Such disruptions could complicate the Fed’s ability to assess the real strength of the labor market and broader economy, prompting a more measured approach to further rate cuts.

While the data might initially suggest the Fed could become more dovish, the uncertainty introduced by these events leaves open the door for them to pause instead, particularly if they feel the need to pivot post US election​. In such a data-dependent environment, the Fed is likely to weigh multiple factors, and although the door remains open for additional cuts, the pace and timing will depend heavily on evolving economic conditions.

China’s Economic Stimulus: A Bazooka or a Water Pistol?

Across the Pacific, China’s handling of its economic slowdown and the associated market reactions provide a sharp contrast to the U.S. monetary landscape. After a prolonged period of underwhelming performance, China’s stock markets recently saw a sharp rally, with Chinese equities outperforming major global indices, including the S&P 500. However, much of this enthusiasm was based on the expectation of significant fiscal stimulus from Beijing. As expectations grew, investors piled into Chinese stocks, only to be disappointed when China’s initial stimulus package turned out to be far smaller than anticipated—akin to a “water pistol” rather than the “bazooka” markets had hoped for​.

The market’s reaction to this perceived under-delivery was swift and brutal, with stocks plunging nearly 10% in a single session. In response, China quickly announced a follow-up fiscal press conference, signaling a renewed attempt to convince markets that more substantial measures were forthcoming​. This sudden shift in tone from Beijing, which had historically been more restrained in managing market expectations, surprised many analysts, who observed that China’s policymakers were now behaving more like their Western counterparts—chasing market sentiment with policy announcements rather than leading it.

As of now, market expectations for China’s fiscal response remain high, with estimates ranging from 2 to 3 trillion yuan in stimulus, or roughly 3% of GDP​. Whether this will be enough to support a sustained economic recovery, particularly in the hard-hit real estate sector, remains to be seen. China’s real estate deleveraging has already caused approximately $10 trillion in damage to the economy​. In this context, even a multi-trillion-yuan stimulus package might only scratch the surface of what is needed to address the deeper structural issues in China’s economy.

Looking Ahead: Volatility, Elections, and Global Implications

As both the U.S. and China navigate their respective economic challenges, investors are left grappling with the potential implications for global markets. In the U.S., the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election could add another layer of uncertainty, particularly if market participants begin pricing in the possibility of a shift in fiscal or regulatory policy depending on the outcome. An election victory by Donald Trump, whose unpredictable policies on tariffs and immigration could further complicate the Federal Reserve’s ability to manage inflation and economic growth, might cause increased volatility in markets​.

Meanwhile, in China, the outcome of Saturday’s fiscal policy announcement will likely have immediate repercussions for global markets, particularly in commodities such as copper and oil. If China fails to deliver the level of stimulus expected, it could trigger a sharp unwinding of the recent rally in Chinese stocks and commodities, potentially sending shockwaves through global markets​.

Conclusion

In this complex and uncertain environment, both the Federal Reserve and China’s central government face significant challenges in steering their economies through turbulent times. For the Fed, the path of gradual rate cuts is the market’s base case, but the timing and pace will depend on how economic data evolves in the wake of natural disasters and the upcoming election. Meanwhile, China’s economic stimulus remains a key variable for global markets, with investors watching closely to see whether Beijing’s efforts will be enough to stave off a deeper economic downturn. As both nations respond to their respective challenges, the interplay between monetary policy, fiscal stimulus, and global market sentiment will shape the economic landscape in the months ahead.