- Major stock indexes have set 32 record highs in 2021 so far. The market often looks six months ahead, so it sees a robust first half.
- Retail sales were up 5.3% MoM in January, after economists expected only 1.2% growth. Consumers are flush with cash, ready to spend when the coast is clear. The personal savings rate was 13.7% in December, almost double the 7.6% rate a year ago.
- Q4 2020 GDP was just upgraded to +4.1% (annualized and after inflation), and the Atlanta Fed's GDPNow real-time model sees +9.6% growth for Q1 2021, more than double its forecast of 4.5% on February 10.
For further details see:
The Case For A Rapid Economic Rebound In 2021