The Fed signaled that rate hikes are likely finished for the current cycle and it may soon shift its focus to cutting short-term interest rates. However, Fed officials have indicated there is no rush to reverse its existing policy and begin cutting rates. “While the Fed initially projected three, 2024 rate cuts,5 it appears more likely that we may see only one or two,” says Haworth. However, the Fed has indicated that it will assess all data to determine its most appropriate next steps. If signs of slower economic growth persist, the Fed may feel compelled to instigate rate cuts more quickly.
Can the economy stay on track?
Has the Fed managed to achieve what’s referred to as a “soft landing” for the economy, staving off a recession while beating back inflation? The latest data makes it less clear if the economy can maintain its momentum or if the inflation risk is yet fully in check.
“The Federal Reserve has upgraded its own expectations for 2024 GDP growth,” notes Haworth. At its March 2024 meeting, members of the policy-making Federal Open Market Committee updated its projection of 2024 GDP, raising it to 2.1% from 1.4%.5 “Recent data indicated that consumer spending has softened, but there are still a number of positive economic signals in other data,” says Haworth. “Nevertheless, a big question that may drive the markets and the timing of Fed rate cuts is whether consumers can continue spending at a sufficient pace to keep the economy growing.”
To this point, consumers have held their ground. “Inflation remains somewhat elevated, meaning there is still demand from consumers,” says Haworth. He points out this could be favorable for investors. “Ongoing consumer demand allows companies enough pricing power to improve revenue and earnings.”
Upward interest rate trends could complicate matters, particularly as it relates to business capital investment. “If rates stay elevated or move higher and companies are forced to issue debt with more significant financing costs, that could dampen business activity and threaten current expectations for economic growth,” according to Haworth.
Implications for investors
Notably, says Haworth, “GDP is not a primary economic indicator for professional investors. Other data points arrive on a timelier basis that signal the degree to which economic expectations are on track.” However, GDP is ultimately the measure that indicates the overall health of the U.S. economy, which has an impact on the markets.
Equity markets enjoyed a strong rebound in 2023 following 2022’s bear market, with the benchmark S&P 500 rising more than 26%. In 2024’s first quarter, the S&P 500 Index surpassed its previous all-time high, achieved two years prior.6 Much of the stock market’s strength in 2023 was limited to a narrow group of stocks, primarily in the technology sector. Haworth expects markets to remain “choppy” in the near term but adds if the economy manages to demonstrate ongoing strength in the coming months, that could work to benefit other sectors of the market that are more dependent on favorable economic trends. For example, energy stocks year-to-date, which struggled in 2023, represent one of the top performing sectors within the S&P 500 in 2024.6
Consider reviewing your current portfolio with your wealth management professional to determine if it’s consistent with your long-term goals and positioned to meet the challenges of what continues to be a dynamic market and economic environment.
Note: Diversification and asset allocation do not guarantee returns or protect against losses. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P 500) consists of 500 widely traded stocks that are considered to represent the performance of the U.S. stock market in general. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of stocks. It is not possible to invest directly in the index. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.