Fed Hikes Interest Rates, Hurts Consumers and Hits Granny Retail

On Tuesday, retailers heavily sold off with the rest of the market. Granny Retail (XRT), or SPDR S&P Retail ETF, declined 4% and crossed the 50-day moving average.

The Fed has never raised the target interest rate four times in a row, with a 75 basis point each time – till today. They still need to beat inflation.

Today, they harmed retail stocks, hurt consumers, and decreased real estate values.

Granny Retail was gaining strength and displaying demonstrated Triple Play momentum leadership and positive price action above until the Fed announced their news. This will put retailers and consumers under stress. I will evaluate how the hike impacts consumer behavior by looking at Granny Retail (XRT), will address elevated levels of consumer debt and dig more into the components of CPI.

There is uncertainty about how effective these rate hikes reduce inflation, since they are still far from 2%. The Economic data is mixed. Corporate Earnings are holding steady for now; however, given the uncertain economic environment, investors should exercise risk governance.

Shelter comprises one-third of CPI, which was 6.6% last month. Rents will continue rising higher, while food and energy remain elevated and are also large CPI weightings. Mortgage rates have risen to 7% from 3.5%, making it impossible for some families to purchase property. People who cannot afford to buy must live somewhere, which will continue to put pressure on rental prices.

Additionally, the US savings rate is also at 3% – the lowest in the last 15 years. Consumers are tapping savings aggressively, charging credit cards and running up debts, all while real income growth stagnates.

Total consumer credit outstanding in the U.S. has hit record levels, as shown below.

Total consumer credit outstanding in the United States from the 3rd quarter 2006 to the 2nd quarter 2022.

Property owners are also accessing home equity credit at variable loan rates.

There is little evidence to support the Fed's claim that it is making major progress on fighting inflation.

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ETF Summary

S&P 500 (SPY): 370 support, 377 resistance. Russell 2000 (IWM): 174 support, 181 resistance. Dow (DIA): 318 support, 324 resistance. Nasdaq (QQQ): 261 support, 269 resistance. KRE (Regional Banks): 62 support, 65 resistance; same as before. SMH (Semiconductors): 182 support, 189 resistance. IYT (Transportation): 204 support, 210 resistance. IBB (Biotechnology): 127 support, 132 first resistance; same as before. XRT (Retail): 61 support, 65 resistance; same as before.

Wade Dawson

MarketGauge.com

Portfolio Manager