Will Job Market Strength Delay the Inflation Slide?

I think of myself as a pretty punctual person.  I get impatient when others are late and I don’t give myself much time to spare when catching a flight.  But sometimes, like when spending time with family, it’s OK to run a little behind schedule.

One month into 2024, the economic slowdown appears to be running behind schedule.  Growth is stronger than expected, the labor market is tighter and our forecast for inflation to hit 2% by the end of the year looks less certain.  But for investors, it should be all good.  Our 2.0.2.4. forecast of 2% growth, 0 recessions, inflation falling to 2% and unemployment at around 4% is now looking a little more like 2+.0.2+.4-.  But it still rounds to 2024, leaving plenty of opportunity for long-term investors.