Oddbean

Here’s why inflation may look like it’s easing but is still a huge problem ========== Inflation measures have eased, but high prices persist; food inflation surged 22% since early 2021; eggs up 87%, auto insurance up nearly 47%, gasoline up 16%; current debt delinquency rate at 2.74%, highest in 12 years; Fed's interest rate decision on Nov. 6-7; CPI inflation at 2.4% in September, down from 9.1% in June 2022; inflation first exceeded 2% in March 2021; median home price up 16% since Q1 2021; sticky price inflation at 4% in September; household debt at $20.2 trillion, up 19% since Q1 2021; small business credit card usage up 20% compared to pre-pandemic; 23% of small firms cite inflation as main problem; Fed cut interest rates by 50 basis points in September; markets indicate higher rates despite cuts; Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic considers a pause in cuts; Fed President Mary Daly emphasizes vigilance on inflation. #Inflation #Economy #FederalReserve #Debt #ConsumerSpending #InterestRates #Cpi #Pce #Housing #SmallBusiness https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/19/why-inflation-may-look-like-its-easing-but-is-still-a-huge-problem.html