The Independent Market Observer provides an economic risk factor update for February 2023. Several key economic indicators are summarized: The ISM Services PMI Composite Index rebounded to 55.2 in January, indicating expansion in the services sector. Private employment rose by 517,000 jobs in January, exceeding projections and highlighting the strength of the labor market. However, the yield curve continued to invert, reaching four consecutive months of inversion. Consumer confidence also declined year-over-year for the 11th straight month. In conclusion, while some signs of growth remained, risks persist due to inflation concerns and expectations of tighter monetary policy.

1. The Independent Market Observer
Economic Risk Factor Update
February 2023

2. Source: Institute for Supply Management, Haver Analytics
ISM Services: Services PMI Composite Index
SA, 50+ = Increasing
The Service
Sector
Risk
Level

3. The Service Sector continued
• Service sector confidence rebounded, with the index rising
from 49.2 in December to 55.2 in January.
• This result brought the index back into expansionary territory
after a surprise decline in December.
• We have left the risk level at yellow for now due to the recent
volatility in the index.
Risk
Level

4. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Haver Analytics
All Employees: Total Nonfarm
% Change – Year to Year, SA
Private
Employment:
Annual
Change
Risk
Level

5. Private Employment: Annual Change continued
• 517,000 jobs were added in January, which was notably better
than the 188,000 that were projected.
• This marks 25 consecutive months of job growth, highlighting
the current strength of the labor market despite the
challenges created by inflation and labor shortages.
• The unemployment rate fell from 3.5% in December to 3.4%
in January.
Risk
Level

6. Source: Haver Analytics
Spread Between 10-Year U.S. Treasury and 3-Month U.S. Treasury
Yield Curve
(10-Year Minus
3-Month
Treasury Rates)
Risk
Level

7. Yield Curve (10-Year Minus 3-Month Treasury Rates)
continued
• The yield curve inversion deepened in January. The 3-month
Treasury yield increased from 4.42% at the end of December to
4.70% at the end of January. The 10-year Treasury yield fell from
3.88% to 3.52%.
• This now marks four consecutive months with an inverted
3-month 10-year yield curve. While this doesn’t guarantee that
the economy will enter a recession, it’s a widely monitored
technical signal that could indicate further slowdowns.
Risk
Level

8. Source: The Conference Board/Haver Analytics
Conference Board: Consumer Confidence
% Change – Year to Year SA, 1985=100
Consumer
Confidence:
Annual
Change
Risk
Level

9. Consumer Confidence: Annual Change continued
• Consumer confidence fell from 109 in December to
107.1 in January.
• On a year-over-year basis, confidence declined 3.60% during
the month, marking 11 consecutive months of declining
year-over-year confidence.
• While the year-over-year decline remains outside of the
historical danger zone, confidence remains well below the
pandemic-era highs of last year.
Risk
Level

10. Conclusion: Risks Remain Despite Growth
• January showed signs of continued economic growth despite
inflation concerns and expectations for tighter monetary policy.
• The strong hiring growth was an encouraging sign, as the job
market continues to signal a healthy economy.
• The rebound in service sector confidence was a positive
development and will be a closely monitored indicator in the
months ahead.
• The path of recovery remains uncertain in the short term.
Risk
Level

11. Certain sections of this commentary contain forward-
looking statements that are based on our reasonable
expectations, estimates, projections, and assumptions.
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future
performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties,
which are difficult to predict. Past performance is not
indicative of future results.
Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against
loss in declining markets. All indices are unmanaged, and
investors cannot invest directly in an index.
The information contained herein is provided for
informational purposes only and is based upon sources
believed to be reliable. No guarantee is made as to the
completeness or accuracy of the information.
Disclosure