Lara is Chief U.S. Economist and Managing Director on the Investment Research team at FS Investments, where she analyzes developments in the global and U.S. economy and financial markets. Her fresh take on macroeconomic issues helps to inform and develop the firm’s long-term views on the economy, investment trends and issues facing investors. Lara is committed to the Philadelphia community and serves on the boards of the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia, Hyperion Bank and Starr Garden Park.
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Chief U.S. Economist Lara Rhame’s 10 for ‘22
2022 will be a balancing act between solid growth, surging inflation and policy uncertainty. Read our watchlist for 10 big ideas on the economy, the Fed and markets.
What’s driving higher inflation and what to expect in 2022
Inflation looms as the biggest economic uncertainty for investors and policymakers. We build a bottom-up scenario and break down risks in 2022.
Q4 2021: Recalibrating expectations
Our fast-moving recovery is steering into headwinds from policy, global growth uncertainty and pandemic-related supply disruptions. With valuations high across the board, markets enter Q4 with healthy growth, but waning tailwinds.
An inconsistent truth: Interest rates and inflation can diverge
Inflation has skyrocketed in Q3 while benchmark yields have moved lower. Yet these dynamics are not as inconsistent as they currently appear, and persistent inflation and low interest rates could continue well into 2022.
What a red-hot labor market means for the economy
June added 850,000 new jobs, but the underlying trends in the labor market defy any prior cycle in ways that could add to inflation and complicate Fed policy.
Q3 2021: Zooming in on inflation
Inflation is dominating the economic discussion, and with good reason. Rising inflation and the Fed’s hawkish pivot have critical implications for interest rates and investors.