There have been growing concerns over a global shortage of semiconductors – a key input to production of most electronic goods. Strategists at Capital Economics analyze the global economic implications of chip shortages.
Key quotes
“While strong demand for semiconductors should continue to benefit the key producers in Asia, supply constraints will limit the pace of export growth in the near term. And in any case, growth of demand for consumer electronics is likely to slow from its recent rapid pace later this year, implying that the boost to Asian exports will fade.”
“Semiconductor shortages could derail the recovery in motor vehicle output, at least until semiconductor production adjusts. For the world as a whole, motor vehicle production accounts for little more than 1% of total output. But auto-dependent economies including Germany, Mexico and several in Central Europe could feel significant effects.”
“Increases in semiconductor prices will add to upward pressure on inflation in the coming months. Shortages in the chips are coming on top of a surge in the prices of the metals that are used to produce them, so sharp price increases seem inevitable.”
“A shortage of semiconductors will be one of several factors boosting inflation in the near-term. In Europe, we suspect that the weakness of domestic demand will ensure that such pressures are transitory, but supply shortages could drive a more sustained rise in inflation in the US.”
Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.
If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.
FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.
The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.
Recommended content
Editors’ Picks
AUD/USD holds ground as RBA leaves the door open for a hike
Tuesday's session witnessed the Australian Dollar clearing losses against the US Dollar following the release of the hawkish RBA minutes and the US JOLTs figures from May. For the USD, the confidence of Jerome Powell on inflation coming back down sooner on the prospects of a cooling labor market weakened the Greenback.
USD/JPY extends gains near 161.50 ahead of US data, FOMC Minutes
The USD/JPY pair trades on a stronger note near 161.40 after reaching a new high for this move near 161.75 during the early Asian trading hours on Wednesday. Market players remain focused on the possible foreign exchange intervention from the Bank of Japan, which might cap the pair’s upside.
Gold falls amid falling US yields, soft US Dollar
Gold price slid during the North American session as market participants digested Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s comments at a European Central Bank forum in Portugal. Powell turned slightly dovish, yet US Treasury yields remained firm. The XAU/USD trades around $2,324.
Ethereum ETFs set for $5 billion inflows despite ETH Foundation's continuous sales
Ethereum is down more than 1.4% on Tuesday following another ETH sale from the Ethereum Foundation. Meanwhile, crypto exchange Gemini's recent report reveals that ETH ETF could see about $5 billion in net inflows within six months of launch.
Benefit of the doubt: US consumer confidence and elections
Despite widespread expectation for the US economy to be in recession in 2024, that fate has been avoided thanks to a resilient consumer. Yet it is difficult to square this undaunted spending with consumer confidence and sentiment readings that are lackluster at best.