Bridgewater Associates examines how 2022’s aggressive monetary tightening could flow through economies in 2023, arguing that markets had priced higher real yields but not their economic consequences. It sees restoring 2% inflation as requiring weaker spending, softer earnings, and a looser labor market.
An Update from Our CIOs: 2022 Was a Tightening Year; In 2023 We Will See Its Effects
Bridgewater
Bob Prince
Article
1 Pages
Key Takeaways
Labor Market Adjustment: Bridgewater estimates unemployment may need to rise at least 2% for roughly 18 months to sufficiently rebalance labor supply and demand.
Earnings Pressure Needed: Corporate earnings may need to decline about 20% to encourage enough layoffs to reduce wage pressures and help restore price stability.
Wage Inflation Challenge: US wage inflation was about 5%, with 14 of 15 major sectors above 4%, compared with roughly 2% wage growth needed for 2% inflation.