While we expect the annual inflation rate to peak this quarter as the comparisons to the lower levels of a year ago wear off, the risk of rising prices will remain. … READ MORE >
inflation
Canada’s inflation hits 6.7% as the global oil shock sets in
Inflation in Canada hit 6.7% in March, up from 5.7% in February and the largest year-over-year increase since January 1991 as supply chain disruptions, the war in Ukraine and a reopening economy all had an effect. … READ MORE >
The illusion of inventory and price controls in the current economy
Disruptions of supply chains have renewed calls for political authorities to do something about soaring prices. Is this the time for price controls? No. … READ MORE >
Domestic producer prices rose 11.2% in March amid Ukraine war
The producer price index for final goods and services rose 11.2% from a year ago, posting double digit growth for the third month in row. For March alone, the prices for the same products shot up by 1.4%, from 0.9% in February, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Wednesday. … READ MORE >
Inflation marches higher, hitting 8.5% compared to a year ago
Long ago and far away, it was once taught that inflation has long and variable lags. That still probably applies when setting policy, managing a portfolio or making longer-term investments as top-line inflation jumped by 1.2% in March to 8.5% on a year-ago basis, according to government data released Tuesday. … … READ MORE >
A key inflation gauge surged in February, dampening spending
The likelihood of a 50 basis-point rate hike by the Federal Reserve in May increased on Thursday as the government reported that a key inflation gauge continued to surge in February. … READ MORE >
Chart of the day: Initial jobless claims lowest since 1969
New filings for jobless benefits last week dropped to the lowest since 1969 as the tight labor market showed no sign of cooling. … READ MORE >
FOMC’s policy decision: Rate hike, balance sheet reduction, revise down forecast, repeat
Policy normalization at the Federal Reserve took a giant step forward on Wednesday as the Federal Open Market Committee hiked the federal funds rate by 25 basis points while slashing its growth forecast and increasing its estimate of inflation. … READ MORE >
Life during wartime: Inflation, price controls and economic conflict
Today, with inflation at a 40-year high and a policy rate pinned to the zero boundary, policymakers face significant constraints as they try to find ways to mitigate rising costs on American households. … READ MORE >
Preview of coming attractions: Inflation surges to 7.9%
The February consumer price index provided an unpleasant preview of coming attractions in the U.S. economy as top-line inflation soared by 0.8% on the month, pushing the year-ago reading to 7.9%, the fastest rate in 40 years. … READ MORE >