Deutsche Bank has updated its recession forecast. The bank’s economists now see “an earlier and somewhat more severe recession” than previously predicted. “The Fed has undertaken a more aggressive hiking path, financial conditions have tightened sharply and economic data are beginning to show clear signs of slowing,” said the economists.
However, Luzzetti explained in the note: “Since that time, the Fed has undertaken a more aggressive hiking path, financial conditions have tightened sharply and economic data are beginning to show clear signs of slowing.” The Deutsche Bank economist continued:
In response to these developments, we now expect an earlier and somewhat more severe recession.
The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate by 75 basis points last week — the biggest increase since 1994.
In its semi-annual report to Congress released Friday, the Fed said: “The committee is acutely aware that high inflation imposes significant hardship, especially on those least able to meet the higher costs of essentials … The committee’s commitment to restoring price stability — which is necessary for sustaining a strong labor market — is unconditional.”
The Deutsche Bank economist noted:
A more severe tightening of financial conditions could easily pull forward recession risks to around the turn of the year, which could short-circuit the Fed’s tightening cycle.
He added: “That said, higher inflation during that period would likely constrain the Fed’s ability to cut rates to counteract the downturn. On the other side, a more resilient economy in the near-term with more persistent inflation pressures would spell upside risk to our Fed view.”
On Sunday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told ABC News, “I don’t think a recession is at all inevitable.” In addition, a survey by the Wall Street Journal showed that economists have dramatically raised the probability of recession. They now put it at 44% in the next 12 months, up from 28% in April and 18% in January, the publication reported Sunday.
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