The latest data indicates that inflation rose by 0.4% compared to last month, aligning with economists' estimates. This figure is concerning as it marks a rise from the previous month's 2.7%, suggesting a worrying trend in inflation rates. The 2.9% annual increase reflects ongoing price pressures that consumers are feeling at the grocery store.
Consumer expectations regarding inflation remain high, with many anticipating rates around 3% annually for the next several years. This sentiment complicates financial planning for households as higher prices become the norm, making it difficult for families to budget effectively. The persistence of high prices in categories such as food and transportation indicates consumers will continue to feel the squeeze.
Given the current inflation trends, the Federal Reserve is under pressure to reconsider its monetary policy strategies. With the inflation rates hovering higher than their target of 2%, there is speculation that they may pause interest rate hikes. This potential shift could have significant implications for the economy, influencing everything from borrowing costs to consumer confidence.
The December inflation report released today highlighted a month-over-month increase of 0.4% and an annual rise of 2.9%. This uptick is significant as it reveals a reversal from the previous slow rate of inflation, which had improved during the spring and summer months. Economists had predicted this 2.9% inflation rate, showing that they are increasingly accurate in their assessments. However, the trend is concerning for consumers as they face persistent inflation in essential areas such as groceries and services.Hogwash, grocery prices go up EVERY week, with, apparently, no end in sight. Groceries, who knew!?🙄
Notice that prices keep going up mainly on basic needs for survival thats how they strain everyone the most
My spouse and I are adding a variety of stocks/ETF to my present holdings for the long term, Weve set aside $250k to start following inflation-indexed bonds and stocks of companies with solid cash flows, I believe it is a good time to capitalize on the market for long-term gains, but it wouldnt hurt to know means of actualizing short term profit
Well, yeah. Biden keeps sending money to his chums in Ukraine. 770 for California wildfire victims tho.