For all the blame we’re heaping on China, could its recent economic woes be more about the global economy than their miracle run of ghost cities and high-speed rail networks coming to an inevitable conclusion? I saw this chart yesterday; data compiled from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) by US Trust (posted in Business Insider). It shows just how much of a proxy China has become for the global economy. The chart shows the nation’s top exporting partner over the past fifteen years.

China was only the top destination for goods for five other nations back in 2000. Now, it’s 43 nations, surpassing the U.S., which is a top export for only 31 other countries; sobering stuff that speaks to lost influences and prestige as the straw that stirs the global economic drink.

Yesterday, we saw Brazil and Canada officially enter into recessions, and it is clear that other large economies from Italy to Russia are in trouble. Still, there was an announcement of a $15 billion high- speed rail project between Russia and China, underscoring their very cozy relationship of late. China might be in trouble, but they are clearly throwing around its economic and political might…clearly, America is not.

However, as America has lost its economic and military clout around the world, our domestic economy has held onto a tenuous recovery and is riding the DNA of the nation that once put the entire planet on its back. Now, the question is whether America can even play Atlas for just one nation- our own. It’s interesting that the Dow Jones Industrial Average was slammed by 2.8%, while China was off less than half that amount- both supposedly were driven lower from disappointing news out of China.

The big jobs report is on Friday; today, we’ll get the latest update from ADP. Let’s face it, 200,000 monthly jobs are simply too little, considering the massive amount of jobs that were lost and the current size of the U.S. population. Moreover, where are the pay raises? There are a lot of things the Federal Reserve is getting wrong with their interpretation of inflation. However, they’re spot-on if classic inflation is too much money; chasing too fewer goods, then we are dealing with deflation.

There are bright spots beyond a mediocre job growth and slumping wages. Yesterday saw the latest on autos and construction. The numbers were impressive, beating consensus. I am not sure about the sustainability of autos and fret over the quality of loans, but it does show the consumer’s appetite which is essential for a healthier economy.

White Picket Fence and Car in Driveway 

Lost in yesterday’s data was a strong report on construction and auto sales that beat consensus and points to a healthy appetite for new cars.

Construction

• Residential spending in July: $380.8 billion, +1.1% month-over-month, or +15.6% year-to-year
• Non-Residential spending in July: $406.9 billion, +1.5% month-over-month, or +18.2% year-to-year

Non-Residential Highlights	Total	Change m/m	Change y/y
Office	$49.0	-1.1%	+41.2%
Commercial	$62.9	+0.5%	+29.4%
Amusement	$11.8	+1.7%	+59.7%
Manufacturing	$93.4	+4.7%	+73.1%

Construction is a sweet spot in the economy that should remain strong for some time, both in residential and non-residential.

Auto Sales

The experts were looking for declines across the board; instead, July was a great month for auto sales.  Total sales came in at an annual run rate of 17.8 million, well above the 17.3 consensus estimate

The news was great for American automakers, led by SUVs and pick-up trucks. The F series is coming on strong after a radical reboot, but it is in danger of being supplanted by the Silverado and Sierra line at GM. In addition to concerns about the quality of loans, the length of loans feels problematic.

US Auto Sales August	Change
Ford	+5.0%
GM	-0.7%
Fiat	+1.7%
Hyundai	+3.0%
Kia	+7.7%
Audi	+9.9%
Honda	-6.9%
Toyota	-8.8%
Nissan	-0.85

The bright spots continue to be blotted out by bad news and tough sledding for the stock market. In just two days, the picture becomes clearer. I am hoping that it gives the Fed ammo to hike rates and begin to move out of the way.

Today’s Session

I realize the Fed has a dashboard of things that help determine their next move, but I hope the largest feature is not just jobs, but also wages. On that score, this morning’s news has to be disappointing.

ADP saw only 190,000 jobs against consensus of 200,000; the total significantly lower than last year’s surge.

But I think the more problematic issue for the Fed (and disaster for Main Street) is wages going in the wrong direction. Yes the productivity miracle is reborn, but it’s just a euphemism for lower wages.

2Q15 Productivity Components	Q/Q - Change
Output	+4.7%
Hours Worked	+1.4%
Labor Cost	-1.4%
Real Hourly Wages	-1.1%

The Fed can’t hike rates unless the employment number on Friday shows a lot more jobs and much higher wages- period. I like that the market is opening higher, but wouldn’t force the issue at the start of trading.

Comments

Excellent article, as always! The sad truth is that until governments around the world stop mistaking themselves for gods and get their hands off of their economies and out of their people's pockets, things aren't likely to get better. Socialism has never worked, cannot work and will continue to destroy every nation that commits to it. Wishes and needs don't create wealth. Only people allowed to work for their own benefit can achieve that. American capitalism is the only system that has truly worked for extended periods of time and it can only work when it's allowed to be free. This perverted mix of socialism, cronyism and over regulation must end if this nation is return to true prosperity. Patricia Hampton on 9/2/2015 10:01:20 AM

What Patricia said...... Jim Reece on 9/2/2015 10:45:52 AM

Look at what's booming, construction in Office, Commercial, Amusement, Manufacturing. If we still have 11+ million un/underemployed, how are the rest going to take up the slack and make the offices, commercial establishments, the amusement parks, and the additional manufacturing capacity successful investments. This has too many echos of the previous boom times to suit me. The bubble is now shifting to real estate and overbuilding capacity. That isn't a winner ever. I know, I know, this time it's different. Steve on 9/2/2015 10:47:39 AM

I agree with Ms. Hampton that socialism cannot work. On the other hand, we have adequate proof that unbridled capitalism will also have severe problems. It was unbridled capitalism that was used by Frick & Carnegie to build their personal ultra-fortunes out of the poverty and deaths of thousands of their workers. It was unbridled capitalism that allowed the 1929 stock market crash. There is a place for government in limiting the excesses of capitalism and balancing the use versus the cost of public resources (like air and water). It is when our government goes beyond the charter given to it in the preamble of the constitution that we exceed reason and enter into the socialist death spiral. Our founding fathers gave 6 reasons for having a federal government. The fifth was to promote the GENERAL welfare, not individual welfare. They were wise men who should be heeded by today's flock of fools in Washington. Bob G on 9/2/2015 10:54:31 AM

Dohman Capital says the China game is up and the 'troubles' are just beginning. Dohman sees a significant global market collapse in the next year. Ruh Roh. Car loans in default, student loans in mega default, housing in Ca. skyrocketing to levels near 2004-5 on bogus credit loans.....I smell smoke and see it in the mirrors. Russ on 9/2/2015 12:53:48 PM

Agree with Patricia. Unfortunately the drift towards central all powerful government is merely an artifact of human nature. Power is addicting to human beings. We will do anything to keep it and expand it. It's been like this since the very beginnings of civilizations. In 1949 Mao came to power. The wealth of the nation diminished so far that in the 1960's all they had left to eat was tree bark. But the folks in power were themselves wealthy. Normal outcome for the power addiction. Nick B on 9/2/2015 1:16:32 PM

Is it...." Beware the Ides of March"... only its called " September "this time around ? Bon on 9/2/2015 2:40:48 PM

The original concept for the USA government was "of the people, for the people and by the people" with the primary role being a Nation of Laws, Justice, National Security and the facilitation of commerce. Look what we have allowed it to become! A bloated inefficient over reaching and often self serving entity that currently is failing on all three counts of original intent! I left out personal Freedom, under God and indivisible as those seem to have been swept aside by our growing secularism! Just one man's personal opinion which I am entitle to under the Constitution but, could be taken away if the current trend continues. Garro on 9/3/2015 9:24:26 AM

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