A bigger field can boost securitized yield

As rates descend, the economy remains aloft. Markets were buoyant last week as the first batch of meaningful macroeconomic data since the Federal Reserve launched its new easing cycle showed a U.S. economy generally steering clear of downdrafts. The final estimate of second-quarter GDP confirmed healthy 3% economic growth, while August durable goods orders and weekly first-time unemployment claims came in better than expected. Capping off the week, Friday’s release of the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index proved benign, with August’s headline 12-month reading at 2.2% — down slightly from July and the lowest rate since February 2021.