Personal Income Rises More than Expected

Personal Income calculates the pre-tax income households collect from employment, investments, and other payments. The impact on equity markets is subdued. However, the data is still functional in gauging the ability of consumers to spend residual income, as increasing Personal Income allows for buoyant consumers spending. Also, as consumers make up two-thirds of US GDP, increasing consumer incomes theoretically should drive strong growth in the US economy. Personal income increased $50.3 billion, or 0.4 percent in March, which was higher than the 0.3 percent estimate. Disposable personal income increased $42.5 billion, or 0.4 percent, in March, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Real disposable income increased 0.2 percent in March, in contrast to a decrease of 0.1 percent in February. Real PCE increased 0.1 percent, compared with an increase of 0.5 percent. Personal consumption expenditures (PCE) increased $29.6 billion, or 0.3 percent. In February, personal income increased $39.6 billion, or 0.3 percent, DPI increased $29.4 billion, or 0.2 percent, and PCE increased $93.7 billion, or 0.9 percent, based on revised estimates.
ACTION ITEMS:

Bullish:
Traders who believe that Personal Income is a leading indicator for the US economy, you might want to consider the following trades:
  • Long general retail companies like JC Pennny JCP because as more people have increasing incomes, the more likely people will spend it. In theory, the economy will likely grow stronger, as consumer spending is two-thirds of US GDP.
  • Also, long Consumer Discretionary companies like Target TGT or the Consumer Discretionary ETF XLY
Bearish:
Traders who believe that Personal Income is not a leading indicator for the US economy, you might want to consider the following trades:
  • If the data is showing mixed signals, long Consumer Staple companies like Procter & Gamble PG and Colgate CL because even if people have less money, they still need to buy staple products like shampoo and toothpaste.
  • Also, short big-ticket appliance makers like Whirlpool WHR if Personal Income worse-than-expected.
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