Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that recent data suggests the economy could be falling into recession. What can you expect from Ben Bernanke’s speech, Thursday?

Deutsche Bank Chief US Fixed Income Economist Joe LaVorgna joins the panel for this conversation.

Following is a summery of LaVorgna’s main points.

--The economy is not in recession. This is apparent from employee tax withholding receipts which continue to expand.

--Real interest rates are extremely low; recessions typically do not happen when the inflation-adjusted fed funds rate is under 2%.

--The inter-bank funding crisis is pretty much over--Libor spreads have been tightening dramatically over the last month, yielding just about 15 bps over the fed funds rate.

--Bank lending--in all areas (consumer, industrial and real estate) continues to boom; the banking sector, at least away from the money center banks, is healthy and functioning.

--Consumer spending will slow but not roll-over.

Conclusion: LaVorgna thinks Bernanke will probably disappoint the markets by not saying enough to calm people down.

What’s the trade?

If you don’t think the economy is going into recession then bet against aggressive Fed easing, LaVorna counsels.

______________________________________________________
Got something to say? Send us an e-mail at and your comment might be posted on the Rapid Recap! Prefer to keep it between us? You can still send questions and comments to .

Trader disclosure: On Jan 9, 2008, the following stocks and commodities mentioned or intended to be mentioned on CNBC’s Fast Money were owned by the Fast Money traders; Najarian Owns (C), (MSFT), (MCD); Najarian Owns (AIG) Options, (CFC) Options, (VLO) Options, (WM) Options, (YHOO) Options; Finerman Owns (GS); Finerman's Firm Owns (DSW), (PLCE), (SKS), (WMT), (YHOO), (AEO),(CROX); Finerman's Firm Owns (MSFT) Options; Finerman's Firm Is Short (IYR), (IJR), (IWM), (SPY), (SPG), (TCO); Finerman's Firm Is Short (LEH) And Owns (LEH) Puts; Finerman's Firm Owns S&P 500 Puts; Finerman's Firm Owns Russell 2000 Puts; Finerman's Firm Owns (MDY) Puts And Is Short (MDY); Seymour Owns (AA), (AAPL), (CFC), (ETFC), (INTC), (MBI), (MER), (MSFT), (SBUX), (YHOO), (CSCO), (TIE); Seygem Asset Management Owns (EWZ), (EWT); Seygem Asset Management Is Short (PBR)

Tools:

PrintEmail

Next Post

Previous PostBack to Main Page

• 

COMMENTS

More Comments

 

« First | « Previous

Next » | Last »

Thank you for joining our discussion. Your comment has been posted.

ADD COMMENTS

Please Sign In or Register to participate.

In order to add a comment you must click here and accept our terms and conditions.

Edit Screen Name

Please sign-in/optin or register to be able to submit comments.

Remaining characters

CNBC welcomes your contribution. Please respect our community and the integrity of its participants. CNBC reserves the right to moderate and approve your comment.

PREVIEW COMMENT

Your comments have not been posted yet.
Please review your submission to make sure you are comfortable with your entry.

Your Comments: