Supply chains have not resolved, we are entering a common slow time of the year for imports from Asia. the supply chain probelms exist not because the supply chain does not work, but because the supply chain was overrun so fast with so much demand and it happened with COVID interruptions as well.
When this small respite is done with by late June, the surge in demand for imports from Asia will spike again and the deluge will continue and so will delays, increases in freight rates and trucking rates, random shortages.
Inflation might slow that demand surge a bit we can hope compared to last season but it is hard to predict. Rate hikes are trying to stop an oil tanker coasting at full speed with one tug boat. You can slow it down but it takes a while before it starts working.
I have to ask because you seem to be up on all of this, do you think we are going to hit a point where consumer behavior changes faster than this delay in shipping?
For example will consumers will forego expensive televisions in favor of cheaper versions due to inflationary effects, while orders of more expensive TVs are still in production or shipping?
If I was Costco or some large retailer like that I know I would be terrified right now of consumers changing preferences with supply so in doubt.
The dollar will strengthen for two reasons. 1. As Covid wanes countries will want higher dollar reserves and 2. The Fed will raise rates. - you time that as best as you can. Employment looks strong, unemployment claims sinking to lowest levels since 1969. Depending on gdp - I’d say Q2 rates actually start going up.