ACTV - Real Retail Sales Steady Income Rises
2023-08-22 12:15:00 ET
Summary
- Adjusted for inflation, Real Retail Sales and Real Personal Income reflect economic activity that is rising more than the impact of inflation.
- Demand for goods and services is responsible for many corporations raising guidance and expanding facilities.
- Economic data indicate economic expansion is continuing and likely to do so for several years.
Adjusted for inflation, Real Retail Sales and Real Personal Income reflect economic activity that is rising more than the impact of inflation. Demand for goods and services is responsible for many corporations raising guidance and expanding facilities. Building facilities that incorporate newer lower-cost means of raising output is a primary driver of economic activity that continues the rising trend in employment. This will hold till the deficits built during the COVID lockdowns have been fulfilled. In my estimate, this should last between 3yr-5yrs.
A proxy for unfulfilled demand is the Manheim Used Vehicle Index. This index remains elevated from levels pre-COVID and reflects a higher demand for used vehicles for basic transportation, which is not being satisfied by new vehicle manufacturing. Currently, at 211.7, this index will decline as the new vehicle supply normalizes and the index shifts towards the 150-160 range. The current new Light Weight Vehicle sales are just under 16mil SAAR (Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate). An 18mil SAAR pace for at least 2yrs is necessary to normalize current demand if there is no recession. There remains no indication that a recession is likely.
Economic data indicate economic expansion is continuing and likely to do so for several years. This is positive for equity prices, even with persistent inflation and rising interest rates.
Editor's Note: The summary bullets for this article were chosen by Seeking Alpha editors.
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Real Retail Sales Steady, Income Rises