‘TONE-DEAF:' QI Research CEO says the Fed isn't ‘listening to small businesses'

• Bond yields are retreating, and oil prices are pulling back, indicating receding inflation fears.
• ISM Services PMI employment index at 45.2 is at recessionary levels, last seen during the 2007-2009 and 2001 recessions.
• The U.S. quits rate, a key indicator for former Fed Chair Janet Yellen, has fallen to 1.9%, consistent with historical periods of Fed rate cuts.
• Small businesses are 'choking' on high interest rates, and consumers have less discretionary income due to higher costs and smaller tax refunds.

QI Research CEO Danielle DiMartino Booth argues that the Federal Reserve is 'tone-deaf' to economic realities, citing declining bond yields, struggling small businesses, rising job insecurity, and recessionary employment indicators. She believes the Fed is ignoring its own data, which suggests a need for rate cuts, especially as oil prices pull back and inflation fears recede.