Canada’s consumer price index hit 4.8% in December, the highest since 1991 as supply chain disruptions continued, according to data released by Statistics Canada on Wednesday. … READ MORE >
inflation
Americans’ real earnings are higher today than before the pandemic
Even as prices have soared in recent months, American workers are earning more than they did before the pandemic as the overall gains in their wages have outpaced inflation over the past two years. … READ MORE >
Price stability now a paramount concern as inflation hits 7%
The Consumer Price Index rose to a 7% annual rate in December, presenting a challenge to the Federal Reserve as it attempts to restore price stability. … READ MORE >
Chart of the day: Inflation and labor shortages pressure small businesses
Inflation and labor shortages continued to put pressures on small businesses as the Small Business Optimism Index in December remained below its pre-pandemic level, up only 0.5 points to 98.9. … READ MORE >
Monetary and fiscal policy in a changing economy: The Fed’s mandate for price stability
In the year ahead, the economy and financial markets will be influenced by how the Federal Reserve strikes a balance between its dual mandates of full employment and price stability. We examine the challenge of keeping prices stable. … READ MORE >
Consumer confidence improves despite concern over omicron variant and inflation
The Conference Board’s headline consumer confidence index rose by 3.9 points to 115.8 on the month, the largest increase in three months and the highest since July, according to data from the Conference Board on Wednesday. … READ MORE >
U.S. November retail sales: Consumer spending moderates
The American consumer has held up remarkably well during the recent surge in inflation. But that was not the case in November as the pace of spending moderated to an 0.3% increase, which is likely because of an adjustment to rising prices. … READ MORE >
U.S. Consumer Price Index: Inflation broadens out as shelter costs rise by 4.8%
The overall Consumer Price Index climbed by 6.8% on a year-ago basis in November, and by 0.8% on the month as inflation continued to broaden out. … READ MORE >
Our economic outlook for Canada in 2022
We see a Canadian economy growing around 4% on the year, inflation hitting 5% before easing to 2% by year’s end, and the unemployment rate declining to just above 6%. … READ MORE >
Powell reappointed to lead the Fed, with Brainard elevated to vice chairwoman
The Biden administration’s widely expected reappointment of Jerome Powell as chairman of the Federal Reserve on Monday is a strong step toward providing stability and clarity for financial markets at a time when the central bank is under pressure to accelerate efforts to address inflation. … READ MORE >