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Stealth Slowdown Unfolding
As the chart shows, real personal income and consumer spending growth are both in cyclical downturns.
Contrary to the notion of a “strengthening” economy, consumer spending growth has fallen to a 4 ¼-year low, as personal income growth continues to undershoot spending growth.
The consumer -- which makes up about 70% of the economy -- is getting hit with a six-year highs in inflation, so real wages are actually lower than a year ago.
The chart also shows that the income shortfall relative to spending is increasing, and since 2015 the cumulative shortfall is over 1% of GDP. Necessarily, that gap is financed by consumers taking on more debt.
Away from the trade war rhetoric, which hasn’t really made a big impact yet, the lack of real income gains is why many are having a harder time making ends meet.
The expected strength in Q2 GDP growth comes in large part from energy production and a temporary fiscal boost, which are both non-cyclical events. Of course, higher gas prices also hurt the consumer.
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