The November jobs report, while strong, didn't fully confirm a smooth economic descent, but it did contribute to a more optimistic outlook. The 3.7% unemployment rate and the addition of 199,000 jobs didn't signal a recession, marking a positive step for the U.S. economy amidst the highest inflation in over four decades and an uncertain future.
Daniel Zhao of Glassdoor observed that the job market is aiding in achieving a gentle economic slowdown, noting the report's uneventful nature as a positive shift after years of more tumultuous updates.
The job creation numbers slightly exceeded Wall Street predictions, and average hourly earnings matched expectations. The drop in the unemployment rate to 3.7% helped alleviate fears of triggering the Sahm Rule, a recession indicator.
Despite these encouraging signs, there remains apprehension about the economy's stability, particularly concerning the impact of the Federal Reserve's significant interest rate hikes.
Gus Faucher from PNC Financial Services highlighted the uncertainty surrounding job growth and the potential for a recession in 2024, with PNC leaning towards a recession as the more probable outcome.
Consumer behavior and inflation are pivotal in determining the nature of the economic landing. The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment survey in December showed a notable drop in inflation expectations, though opinions vary on the reliability of such measures.
Liz Ann Sonders of Charles Schwab emphasized the importance of considering broader economic trends beyond the immediate discussions of inflation and interest rates.
While there's a focus on achieving a gentle economic slowdown, navigating through various economic challenges remains crucial.
The Federal Reserve's approach to inflation, currently above its target rate, is key to this process. Rental costs showing a decline is a positive sign, but there's less confidence in the Fed cutting interest rates as aggressively as previously thought.
Jan Hatzius of Goldman Sachs commented on the possibility of the Fed providing support if the economy slows more than expected, thus reducing the likelihood of a recession, which Goldman Sachs estimates at a 15% chance next year.
Labor unrest throughout the year indicates underlying issues in the economy, as noted by Giacomo Santangelo of Monster. Workers' responses to rising living costs reflect broader economic sentiments, underlining that a true "soft landing" – reducing inflation to around 2% without significantly increasing unemployment – has not yet been achieved.