market-commentary

Breaking Down the 'Wow' in a Blowout September Jobs Report

Here's what the beat means for the Fed rate-cutting cycle going forward and Treasuries — and how I'd play the market reaction.

Peter Tchir·Oct 4, 2024, 9:15 AM EDT

You've reached your free article limit

You've read 0 of 1 free Pro articles.

Unlock unlimited Pro access — 50% off
Already registered or a Pro member? Log in

Trying to break down the September jobs report on live TV was quite easy. Everything pointed to strength.

Total jobs great! The beat was entirely in the private sector, which is where we want to see the jobs created.

UPWARD revisions. A substantial positive revision is good. I think it helps confirm my view that the Bureau of Labor Statistics has adjusted their models and aren’t consistently overstating jobs like they were.

I continue to believe seasonal adjustments are off, though. Overstating winter jobs and understating summer jobs. This report seems consistent with that.

Upward pressure on wages, and an unemployment number of 4.052% (almost got rounded down to 4%) will give the Fed some pause.

Bottom Line

Higher yields. Look for 10-year Treasuries to breach 4% as we head into auctions.

Higher for longer. Fed cuts should be slower and I continue to think (and the data support it) that the current neutral rate is well above 3% (economy chugging along on 5% yields for over a year)

I’d fade the initial joy in equity land.