Charts & Chat - March 17, 2024

This week, CEO Eric Boyce discusses: 1. inflation remains sticky, especially rents and services, but there is expectations for further reduction 2. analysis of recent trends in CPI, PCE and PPI - patience required in getting to the 2% Fed target 3. retail sales below expectations, implications for a tight labor market 4. small business earnings, hiring intentions remain suppressed 5. household financial strength anchored by housing, equities 6. private debt markets set to explode 7. equity fund flows, buyback increases, higher liquidity, and high valuations set the stage for continued growth but a potential pullback near term