Warnings of a ‘Hard Landing’ and Unemployment Spike Amidst Market Liquidity Surge

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Amidst discussions about the potential for a “hard landing” and an increase in unemployment, financial experts are navigating the complexities of the current economic landscape. These discussions highlight concerns about the seemingly buoyant markets in the face of various risk factors.

Mizuho’s Konstam has been vocal about anticipating a hard landing by the end of the year. He emphasizes that what might initially appear as a soft landing can quickly transform into a hard one, expressing certainty about the challenging economic conditions that lie ahead. He notes the possibility of unemployment rising to levels around 6% or even 7%.

Meanwhile, there are divergent views on market sentiments. Some argue that markets should be uplifted by increased liquidity in 2024. However, a cautionary perspective emerges by examining historical liquidity trends. Despite rising liquidity in the years leading up to major crises like the Great Financial Crisis of 2007-2009 and the pandemic crisis in 2020, these events unfolded, suggesting that liquidity alone may not insulate markets from downturns.

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The cost of downside protection in the form of put options for the S&P 500, according to Goldman Sachs analysis, is at its lowest since 2018. This low cost is juxtaposed against concerns raised by billionaire bond fund manager Jeffrey Gundlach, who questions the reliability of unemployment data, pointing to an alarming 88% of states reporting rising unemployment over the last six months.

As financial conditions in the U.S. are considered the easiest in two years, the dichotomy between market optimism and economic uncertainties raises questions about the sustainability of the current trajectory. Investors and analysts are navigating a landscape where signals of economic challenges coexist with indicators of market resilience.

Sources:

www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2024-01-29/us-hard-landing-narrative-intrudes-on-wall-street-s-goldilocks-scenario?sref=aGKv3aV7

www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-01-27/fed-rate-cut-this-week-s-decision-could-be-the-prelude-to-a-march-move?sref=ZVajCYcV

nypost.com/2024/01/27/lifestyle/billionaire-bond-fund-manager-jeffrey-gundlach-questions-unemployment-data-hard-to-believe/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=nypost_sitebuttons

www.dlacalle.com/en/why-americans-do-not-see-a-strong-economy/

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