Inflation expectations reach 20-year highs; Powell may soon face a Volcker-style pivot

Sharing is Caring!






See also  Soaring inflation in Japan hits 41-year high, driving citizens to despair and suicides.

The financial strain on American households is intensifying in 2024, with essentials surging in price and debt levels climbing:

  • Food Inflation: Food prices have jumped 22% since early 2021, with some items, like eggs, skyrocketing by 87%. Basic groceries are becoming increasingly unaffordable for many.
  • Auto Insurance: Rates have surged 47%, making car ownership more burdensome for consumers.
  • Gasoline Prices: Though gas prices have recently dipped, they are still up 16% since 2021.
  • Debt Delinquencies: With the delinquency rate at 2.74%, the highest in nearly 12 years, consumers are showing signs of severe financial stress.
  • Consumer Price Index (CPI): Year-over-year, the CPI rose 2.9% as of July 2024, signaling that overall inflation remains stubbornly high.
  • Housing Costs: Rent and home prices continue to rise, with certain metro areas experiencing particularly sharp increases. The housing market remains a major strain on budgets.
  • Utility Costs: Electricity costs are up 28%, adding to monthly expenses as people face rising energy bills.
  • Wholesale Prices: A slight increase in wholesale prices points to ongoing supply chain pressures feeding inflation.
  • Consumer Sentiment: Confidence remains low as households grapple with elevated living costs, with many worried about affording essentials.
See also  Here we go. Biden administration signs contract with Moderna for mRNA bird flu vaccine

Sources:

CNBC – CPI Data September 2024:

CNBC – Why Inflation May Look Like It’s Easing But Is Still a Huge Problem

MSN – How Voters Perceive Inflation

NBC News – Inflation Report for May 2024