Post-pandemic, investors have been repeatedly surprised by the resilience of the U.S. consumer and economy. Consumers continued to spend, and the economy continued to grow even when the federal funds rate reached the 5.25%-5.50% level — a multi-decade high.1 The stunning growth of household wealth might explain why.
U.S. household wealth reached a high of $66 trillion before the 2008 recession, driven by the housing bubble. Post 2008, the Federal Reserve (Fed) kept monetary policy easy for roughly ten years, dramatically boosting financial assets and the housing market. By the end of 2019, household wealth had grown to $110 trillion — a 67% increase over 10 years. After the pandemic, financial assets and the housing market grew sharply after strong fiscal stimulus and monetary easing. Household wealth reached $142 trillion in September 2023, a 29% increase in less than four years and well above the historical 6% annual increase rate. Median household wealth grew significantly as well.
As household wealth climbed, the wealth effect also increased. According to one analysis conducted by Visa, pre-pandemic consumers spent approximately 9% of new wealth, while post-pandemic consumers spent 34%.2 Where does the increased spending go? The top three categories with increased spending include airlines, hotels and clothing, which is consistent with the elevated spending on travel and service we are witnessing.
There are a few reasons that might explain this increased wealth effect. First, some individuals may spend more after feeling more financially secure. Second, the wealth effect is more pronounced for retirees, and the percentage of retirees among the population has increased from 14% (20 years ago) to 18%.3
The rapid increase in household wealth, combined with the increased wealth effect, will continue to power consumer spending and the economy. Financial markets had a strong fourth quarter last year; therefore, I believe robust consumption will continue or even reaccelerate.
The Fed currently believes monetary policy is restrictive, and the market is pricing in a 138-basis-point rate cut this year.4 Lower inflation and a cooler labor market seem to justify it, but might simply be a mean reversion from the supply chain tightness and overhiring by technology and finance that occurred during the pandemic.
Key Takeaway
U.S. household wealth has increased sharply over the last four years. I believe the strong balance sheet of the consumer will enable resilient consumption even as the federal funds rate remains at 5.25%. With higher household wealth and a more pronounced wealth effect, the stock and housing markets may act as strong leading indicators for consumption and labor market strength.
Sources:
1,4Bloomberg
2,3VISA – The sudden increase in the wealth effect and its impact on spending; June 2023
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