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Economic Commentary

Stronger end to 2022 as consumers continue to drive economic growth

December 20, 2022
Illustration of woman purchasing items at a retail store

After a solid third quarter, the economy could be poised for even faster growth in the fourth quarter in deference to the sharp rate tightening by the Fed. While higher borrowing rates should eventually tamp down hiring by businesses, strong job gains continue to support spending activity — with the labor market likely to keep some momentum into the new year. This should stave off recession conditions early in 2023, but a moderate contraction still appears likely later next year in response to further Fed rate increases, corporations diminished pricing power, and an earnings growth slowdown.

Key Takeaways:

  • Job gains have been consistently strong over the past six months and with labor demand continuing to outstrip labor supply, wage growth has maintained a buoyant pace.
  • Consumers continue to spend broadly even as more households dip into savings or rack up debt to pay for more expensive goods and services.
  • Inflation readings have slowed in recent months due to cooling energy and goods prices. But services inflation remains hot and could keep price gains elevated over much of 2023.
  • The Fed implemented a reduced 50 basis point rate hike in December but signaled that more tightening would be needed in 2023 to bring inflation back to trend. Following the rate increases in November and December, the yield curve is now fully inverted — a highly reliable leading indicator of a recession.

 

December Current Scorecard DIal December Future Scorecard DIal

Sources/Disclosure

  • The information in this report is provided by Nationwide Economics and is general in nature and not intended as investment or economic advice, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or adopt any investment strategy. Additionally, it does not take into account any specific investment objectives, tax and financial condition or particular needs of any specific person.

    The economic and market forecasts reflect our opinion as of the date of this report and are subject to change without notice. These forecasts show a broad range of possible outcomes. Because they are subject to high levels of uncertainty, they will not reflect actual performance. We obtained certain information from sources deemed reliable, but we do not guarantee its accuracy, completeness or fairness.

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