Inflation

Introduction: In the dynamic landscape of financial markets, the recent one-two punch of softening inflation data is making waves, fueling investor sentiment and propelling a robust equity rally. Yesterday’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) release, showing no month-over-month change, set the stage. Today, the spotlight is on the Producer Price Index (PPI), revealing its most significant decline in over three years. This blog post delves into the intricacies of these developments, their impact on various sectors, and the broader economic implications. Consumer Spending and Retail Sales: The U.S. Commerce Department’s report…

Introduction: In recent times, the act of tipping has become more prevalent and, some might say, more perplexing. From digital prompts at point-of-sale to tip jars at the local bakery, the rise in tip solicitations has given birth to what some are calling “tipflation.” This phenomenon is driven by both pandemic-related acts of kindness and the widespread use of digital card readers. As a result, navigating the world of tipping has become a bit awkward and challenging. In this blog post, we’ll explore six strategies to beat tipflation, allowing you…

The financial markets have been experiencing a rollercoaster ride lately, with stocks attempting to recover from recent selloffs. Market players are engaging in aggressive dip buying of technology shares, bolstered by positive earnings reports from giants like Amazon and Intel. However, recent economic data reveals a concerning trend – consumers are on a spending spree that is fueling inflationary pressures, causing the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge, the Core Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index, to rise to a five-month high. Consumers’ Spending Frenzy The most recent Personal Income and Outlays…

Introduction In the ever-volatile world of finance, markets often react swiftly to economic data releases. One such recent event is the release of September’s inflation data, which has had a notable impact on various financial indicators. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of these developments and what they mean for investors and the broader economy. Market Optimism The S&P 500 futures, Nasdaq 100 futures, and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures are all pointing in a positive direction, with gains ranging from 0.6% to 0.9% above fair…

Introduction The headlines might suggest that inflation is finally showing signs of easing, but for many Americans, the impact of rising prices is still keenly felt. Recent research has revealed that a significant portion of the population is living paycheck to paycheck, struggling to make ends meet. While the headline inflation number may have decreased from its high in 2022, it’s essential to recognize that the rising cost of living isn’t going away anytime soon. In this blog post, we will explore five practical ways to cope with rising prices…

Despite the evident decrease from the 9.1% inflation spike in 2022, most consumers still feel the strain on their wallets. Research as of June 2023 indicates a staggering 61% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, with 21% finding it hard to meet their monthly bills. Even among the higher earners—those with incomes ranging from $50,000 to $100,000—65% are in the paycheck-to-paycheck boat. So, what exactly is going on? The Direction of Inflation Collin Crownover, PhD, a research analyst with Fidelity’s Asset Allocation Research Team, opines that the economic underpinnings…

Just as the sun sets to give way to the night, the U.S. headline CPI inflation, after its splendid ascent, has taken a remarkable u-turn. It feels like we are on the road to reliving the golden era of persistently low inflation. However, analyzing the current trends and their drivers indicates otherwise. This shift in inflation dynamics, and what it means for us in the real economy, forms the crux of our analysis today. The noteworthy decline in headline inflation can be primarily attributed to the elimination of factors that…

At the heart of most financial discussions these days, inflation is the recurring boogeyman that haunts the dreams of economists and investors. A core inflation rate below 3% would be a reason for the Federal Reserve to heave a sigh of relief, and it would have a positive domino effect on stocks, sparking an uptrend and quelling consumers’ anxieties about the escalating cost of living. But can this dream become reality? It seems possible, especially if we choose to measure U.S. price changes the way Europe does. In May, by…

As we kick off the week following the July 4th holiday break, the financial markets seem to be settling into an uncertain rhythm. The high-profile nature of the mega-cap stocks is likely to dictate the market’s mood, following the noticeable weak finish on Friday. However, the broader market appears to be stuck in neutral as it remains on the fence. At present, the S&P 500 futures are down by three points, roughly in-line with their fair value. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq 100 futures have fallen by 27 points, trading 0.2% below…

Inflation is currently on everyone’s lips, consumers, investors, policymakers, and economists alike. It has been a prominent feature of the economic narrative since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequent global disruptions. Now, as we navigate through the post-pandemic economy, recent surveys suggest that consumers anticipate high inflation in the coming months, with a possible tapering in the years to come. These expectations are being closely watched by the Federal Reserve as it provides insight into the public’s perception of the economy’s health and future trajectory. The principle…