why can't I move columns with a macro under mac os 10.15.3 catalina?

I’ve recorded and edited macros for years under windows and linux. I got a new macbook pro in December. I’ve recorded a couple since then as recently as last week. I don’t have to do steps repetitively too often.

Today I’ve recorded one several times, but it doesn’t work. The code is there in the edit macro window, but not all the steps are actually performed. For example:
go to A1
select the whole column (left click the column head)
cut (control or command X)
go to P1
paste (control/command V)

Only the contents of A1 appear at P1. Do I have to actually move the cursor from row 1 to row X in the same column for it to remember?