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Supply chain normalization explained most of the US disinflation observed in 2023, according to Robin Brooks and Jonathan Fortun. Their updated models suggested that this downward pressure on inflation still had further to run. Writing in December 2023, they expected its strongest US effect in early 2024 and a later peak in the euro area.
Read the workRising exports to Central Asia accompanied falling direct shipments to Russia after export controls were imposed. Robin Brooks and Jonathan Fortun document these changing trade routes and the enforcement challenges of decentralized goods trade. Their November 2023 analysis explicitly distinguishes unusual trading patterns from evidence of actual export control violations.
Read the workFavorable external conditions underpinned a November 2023 forecast of 2.5% Latin American growth in 2024 excluding Argentina. Martín Castellano, María Paola Figueroa and Jonathan Fortun identified commodity activity, Mexico’s proximity to US production and further monetary easing as potential supports. They expected a prolonged Argentine recession with limited regional spillovers, while emphasizing the advantage for countries that reduced fiscal risk and political uncertainty.
Read the workEmerging markets recorded a net portfolio outflow of $3.4 billion in October 2023 as equity withdrawals outweighed debt investment. Jonathan Fortun reported $17.2 billion leaving equities alongside $13.8 billion entering debt. Chinese equities alone lost $7.5 billion, illustrating the contrast between demand for emerging market bonds and pressure on stock allocations.
Read the workUS resilience after the failure of Silicon Valley Bank and unexpectedly rapid disinflation shaped this November 2023 outlook. Robin Brooks and Jonathan Fortun expected higher yields to weaken housing temporarily, but projected 2% growth in 2024, above consensus. They anticipated core PCE inflation falling to 2.5% by the end of 2024 as supply disruptions faded, and viewed market pricing of roughly three Federal Reserve rate cuts as reasonable. These were forecasts made at publication.
Read the workGeopolitical uncertainty, rising long bond yields and persistent dollar strength shaped the October 2023 meetings in Marrakesh. Robin Brooks and Jonathan Fortun report debates over whether higher rates represented a lasting loss of fiscal space. They also highlight how the strong dollar was restraining emerging market capital flows despite growing confidence in a soft landing.
Read the workChina’s exchange rate signals in September 2023 appeared at odds with its interest in avoiding another destabilizing devaluation. Robin Brooks, Gene Ma and Jonathan Fortun argue that allowing the renminbi to trade near the weak edge of its band encouraged expectations of a currency adjustment. They interpret much of China’s weakness as a reversal of pandemic spending patterns, rather than a reason to repeat the capital flight associated with 2015.
Read the workUS inflation was looking more like a fading supply shock than a persistent excess demand problem in this August 2023 assessment. Jonathan Fortun and Robin Brooks revisit their view that price pressures had narrowed since mid 2022 and interpret the early 2023 pickup as annual price resets. They argue that more modest underlying inflation could allow faster and larger Federal Reserve rate cuts than markets then anticipated.
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