The surge in interest rates on new car loans and credit card debt, reaching levels unseen since 2001, highlights a concerning reality: debt is fueling consumer spending. Despite the Fed’s pivot, these rates persist, exposing a disconnect between market strength and consumer vulnerability.
Rising default risks and opportunistic financing providers contribute to escalating rates. Consumers, grappling with inflation, turn to debt to maintain their lifestyles. The surge in interest rates exacerbates financial strain, leaving consumers overextended and at risk of bankruptcy.
While the Fed’s pivot hints at potential rate drops, the timing remains uncertain. Consumers, no longer benefiting from employment stability or wage increases, face overextension. The cyclical pattern of debt-driven spending leading to bankruptcies looms large in the economic landscape.
The contrasting resilience of the market and the fragility of consumer finances pose a serious concern. Layoffs by Amazon and weak demand signals across sectors underscore the economic challenges ahead. Consumers, heavily reliant on debt, navigate an unsustainable trajectory.
Monthly mortgage payments doubling since 2021 and collapsing buying conditions in the housing market signal an unsustainable trend. The situation echoes unprecedented challenges not seen since 1960, demanding urgent attention to mitigate potential economic fallout.
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Despite the Fed signaling a pivot, interest rates on new car loans are still rising.
Today, the average rate on a 48 month new car loan hit 8.5% for the first time since 2001.
The same can be seen with credit card debt interest rates which just hit a new all time high.
So why… pic.twitter.com/CvbibYskk1
— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) January 10, 2024
Amazon, $AMZN, has said that it will lay off several hundred employees in its Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, per Reuters.
— unusual_whales (@unusual_whales) January 10, 2024
Weak demand mentions:
"….demand for seasonal and discretionary categories remains weak" – $WBA
"softer demand outside of the key consumer moments" – $NKE CFO
"Ferrous export prices reflected soft demand during most of the quarter" – $RDUS pic.twitter.com/g6ngqWmGHR
— The Transcript (@TheTranscript_) January 10, 2024
Monthly new mortgage payments have now 2x since 2021
This is not sustainable pic.twitter.com/Fddz0zwyNj
— Game of Trades (@GameofTrades_) January 10, 2024
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