Jobless Claims -- The Fed Doesn't Matter -- The Jobs Matter -- January 21, 2024

Locator: 46608JOBS.

Link here.

So much happened last week, a lot was lost in all the chatter and all the headlines.

The jobs report was one of the biggest stories last week. 

Too many investors are focused on the Fed rate and how the jobs number will affect what the Fed will do.

The "buzz" suggests the next Fed rate cut will be later than sooner. 

That's fine.

The "buzz" also says investors are happy with the Fed leaving things alone.

If that's true, what does that mean? Investors see an incredibly strong / resilient American economy.

In a presidential election year.

Strong economy? Euphemism for no recession. 

Could the "soft landing" talk change to (keeping the metaphor) a "touch and go" followed by an afterburner takeoff (led by tech)?

The jobs report:

• they're paying taxes and buying things;
• indicates companies are hiring;
• despite large operations shutting down (EV manufacturers)
  
• wages are not stopping companies from hiring;
• hiring increases despite automation taking away a lot of those jobs;
• a lot of folks still working from home;

Population Manhattan, NY: 1.63 million

• if three / family = 550,000 families
• 20,000 homes -- inconsequential -- and renters won't pay the kind of taxes corporations would
• if Manhattan inching toward Gazification?
• idle chatter
• but, on the other hand, if these 22,000 homes were to become millionaires' homes ... but is the mayor looking for "affordable" housing / "emergency" housing for undocumented tourists from Texas?