As a follow up. The Producer Price Index (PPI) actually fell 0.1% in December and for the year ended up at a better than expected 2.5%. The PPI which is the wholesale price index is generally considered a forecast of future CPI numbers.
Keep in mind the Federal Reserve, you know, the people who actually run this country uses the PCE index. The Personal Consumption Expenditures index when it comes to setting the rate of inflation they use to set interest rates. Of course the Fed only sets short term rates. The bond market sets long term rates but are affected the what the Fed does with short term rates.
And BTW, the CPI number yesterday? More than half the increase came not from food but rather.....shelter.
No question the shortage of affordable housing is at a crisis level and has been that way for many years . Out in rural America however single family houses in decent condition are dirt cheap In many cases selling for half what they would bring in the city. But, nobody wants to live out there.
Keep in mind the Federal Reserve, you know, the people who actually run this country uses the PCE index. The Personal Consumption Expenditures index when it comes to setting the rate of inflation they use to set interest rates. Of course the Fed only sets short term rates. The bond market sets long term rates but are affected the what the Fed does with short term rates.
And BTW, the CPI number yesterday? More than half the increase came not from food but rather.....shelter.
No question the shortage of affordable housing is at a crisis level and has been that way for many years . Out in rural America however single family houses in decent condition are dirt cheap In many cases selling for half what they would bring in the city. But, nobody wants to live out there.