Aggregate spending is a bit above the long-term trend, so we expect the spending dynamic to change as consumers continue to make important choices. As personal income goes positive as inflation cools over time, positive spending and saving dynamics will emerge.
The discretionary sector struggled as did all growth and quality-oriented areas of the market in 2022. That was a classic re-set and a raging opportunity to add exposure.
The Institute for Supply Management’s monthly survey of purchasing managers came in below expectations for August, while the Bureau of Labor Statistics jobs report indicated that nonfarm payrolls expanded by only 142,000 jobs during the month (against expectations of 161,000 jobs).