Announced this morning, Personal Income increased 10.0% in January, more than expected. Personal Spending increased 2.4% in January, which was slightly lower than estimates. Meanwhile, the January core PCE Deflator, a closely watched measure of inflation that excludes food and energy prices, grew only 1.5% on an annual basis. Overall, income grew considerably during the month, likely impacted by individuals receiving stimulus checks from the fiscal plan passed at the end of 2020. Spending did improve from the previous month’s negative figure, but the large difference between the income and spending rate has pushed the savings rate to 20.5% in January. It remains to be seen how much of an individual’s savings will be spent once economic activity returns. Additionally, inflation remains benign with readings still below the 2% average target. In all, bond yields tick lower this morning, after the 10-year treasury reached 1.6% yesterday, and equity futures are mixed as we head into the market open.
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