Experts break down the December retail sales data

• December retail sales were unchanged, slightly below expectations, but strong November sales suggest a balanced holiday season.
• Q4 Employment Cost Index and Import Prices also came in slightly cooler than expected, contributing to a 'Goldilocks' narrative for some analysts.
• Equity markets are seen as favoring pro-growth policies and rate cuts, with continued investor interest in AI and quantum computing infrastructure, despite warnings of potential inflation resurgence and cash shortages if the Fed eases too quickly.

The discussion focuses on December retail sales data, Q4 Employment Cost Index, and December Import Prices, analyzing their implications for the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions. Experts debate whether the economy is in a 'Goldilocks' scenario, the future path of inflation, and the potential impact of a new Fed chair on monetary policy and equity markets, particularly in tech and AI.