While we do expect the year-ago effects brought on by the global pandemic to result in a period of moderate reflation in the economy, the longer-term outlook implies that elevated inflation will be transitory and give way to price stability. … READ MORE >
inflation
CHART OF THE DAY: Where in the world is wage push inflation?
Much of the talk about risks to the economic outlook has been linked to the prospect of higher inflation following more than $5 trillion in federal spending to address the pandemic. But what is often missing in that discussion is the link between price volatility and wages. … READ MORE >
Making sense of inflation: What we can learn from post-recession recoveries
It can take an average of 27 months after a recession for inflation to return to normal as sustained economic growth is attained and inflation reaches its assumed 2% target. This implies that some of the recent concerns around inflation are premature. … READ MORE >
U.S. February Consumer Price Index: Inflation to rise from a low base
In February, the top-line CPI index increased by 0.4% month over month and by 1.7% year over year. Core CPI excluding food and energy inched forward by 0.1% on the month and rose 1.3% on a year-ago basis. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: Amid talk about inflation, expectations have remained in check
Despite all the talk about rising inflation, there’s not much difference in inflation expectations between last year and this year, or last month and this month, according to an economic model. … READ MORE >
Flattening Phillips curve implies greater space to address economic needs
During the past few decades, as the economy has shifted from one based on manufacturing to one based on information and digital technologies, this traditionally inverse relationship between unemployment and inflation as shown in the Phillips curve has flattened. … READ MORE >
U.S. inflation outlook: Don’t believe the hype
Concerns about inflation risk are premature and overblown. Current monetary policy is well-positioned to support the reflation of the domestic economy, a return to full economic potential later this year and full employment over the next three years. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: The rising cost of eating at home and the lower cost of driving
The overall cost of living remains subdued, with the Consumer Price Index rising 1.4% in January. Over the past six months, the headline inflation rate has remained muted and stands below the Federal Reserve’s 2% implicit target necessary for increased demand and sustainable growth. … READ MORE >
U.S. personal income and savings: Households are building impressive cash positions
Americans’ personal income increased by 0.6% in December, driving savings positions higher. The gains are creating the conditions for what we believe will be a consumer-led boom in the second half of the year. … READ MORE >
FOMC preview: Addressing market rise in inflation expectations
The January meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee this week presents the central bank with an opportunity to reinforce its forward guidance, which is most likely not going to change for years. … READ MORE >