May 2, 2023
JOLTS report: Cramer no longer expects Fed to raise rates any further

The latest Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) report has caused a stir in the financial world, with many experts revising their predictions for the Federal Reserve's interest rate policy. One such expert is Jim Cramer, the host of CNBC's Mad Money.
Cramer had previously been bullish on the Fed's plans to continue raising interest rates, citing strong economic growth and low unemployment as reasons for the central bank to tighten monetary policy. However, the JOLTS report, which measures job openings and labor turnover rates, has caused him to change his tune.
The report showed that job openings fell by 3.4% in February, the largest decline in over two years. Additionally, the number of people quitting their jobs also decreased, indicating that workers are becoming more hesitant to leave their current positions. These trends suggest that the labor market may be cooling off, which could have implications for the broader economy.
Cramer believes that the JOLTS report is a game-changer for the Fed's interest rate policy. He no longer expects the central bank to raise rates any further, and instead predicts that they may even cut rates in the coming months. This would be a significant shift from the Fed's previous stance, which had indicated that they planned to continue raising rates throughout 2019.
Cramer's revised outlook is not without its critics, however. Some analysts argue that the JOLTS report is just one data point, and that other indicators such as GDP growth and inflation remain strong. They also point out that the Fed has been signaling a more cautious approach to rate hikes in recent months, which suggests that they may already be taking the labor market trends into account.
Regardless of whether Cramer's prediction comes to fruition, the JOLTS report serves as a reminder that the economy is always subject to unexpected shifts and surprises. Investors and policymakers alike must remain vigilant and adaptable in order to navigate these changes and make informed decisions.