Q&A for Warren B


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Hi Warren,

Do you think there is any chance that the Fed ever puts us into a steeply inverted curve, say something like 10% short rates with 6% long rates? Hard to imagine that happening with the housing market weak, but what do you think?

Very high probability – I’d say 85% chance if, as I expect, crude stays here or goes higher. maybe a lot higher.

Hiking causes inflation to accelerate via the cost structure of business, so when they start hiking, inflation accelerates. Guaranteed!

Only a major supply response will break the inflation. Like pluggable hybrids in 5-10 years or cutting the national speed limit to 30mph, which is highly doubtful.


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Re: State payrolls suggest a downward revision to April


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(an email exchange)

>
> the sum of state payrolls just came out for April showing -151k jobs, vs
> the actual prelim rleease earlier this mth of -20k. hints at a potentially
> large downward revision to April payrolls when the May data is released.
>

Thanks!

Plenty of export driven banana republics out there with high unemployment, low wages, falling currencies, high inflation, and high interest rates. Looking like we’re next…


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2008-05-16 EU Highlights


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Only the rising euro has kept the ecb from hiking, so far.

Highlights

ECB’s Trichet Sees ‘Less Flattering’ Growth in Second Quarter
ECB concern over liquidity scheme
Trichet Says No Room to Relax in Inflation Fight
ECB’s Mersch Says Current Rates Will Help Curb Inflation
French First-Quarter Payrolls Grow at Slowest Pace Since 2006
Germany’s DIW Raises Second-Quarter Growth Forecast
ECB’s Constancio Sees Slowing European Growth in Second Quarter
Volkswagen, BMW Lead 9.6% Advance in European April Car Sales
Almunia Says `External Shocks’ Put `Upside’ Pressure on Prices
European Notes Head for Weekly Decline on Outlook for ECB Rates


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