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Why do we care about "core" inflation?

Mar 9, 2022
The core measure strips out food and energy prices, two of the biggest contributors to inflation today.
Food prices were up 7% year over year in January, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but core inflation takes food and energy out of the equation.
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The sun sets behind smoke rising from a refining plant in Houston.
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The question the retail world is asking right now: Sell cheap or hold?

Feb 22, 2022
Rising inflation will change the calculus for some apparel wholesalers.
Inflation may allow wholesalers to turn a profit on older goods that would ordinarily be sold at a discount.
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Inflation's already increasing the cost of goods. The cost of services could be next.

Feb 22, 2022
The services sector has been feeling the pinch of higher costs, particularly when it comes to wages.
Wages for workers in service industries like catering and child care have gone up in the tight labor market.
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Do consumers expect discounts when inflation is running hot?

Feb 18, 2022
President's Day weekend is usually marked by sales. But both supply chain shortages and inflation are complicating the hunt for a bargain.
Walmart reported strong earnings this week, as consumers try to find bargains at a bargain-scarce time.
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Forget stagflation. Retail sales point to a "boomflation" economy.

Feb 16, 2022
The monthly gauge rose 3.8%, showing that Americans are eager to shop despite inflation. It could further push the Fed to hike rates.
People are eager to shop, despite inflation and gloomy views of the economy.
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Americans are buying a whole lot of furniture

Feb 16, 2022
Home furnishing sales went up 7.2% month over month in January, but why are people buying so much furniture?
Furniture sales climbed in January as people made themselves more comfortable at home.
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For public good, not for profit.

Consumers are on an inflation expectations roller coaster

Feb 14, 2022
Even though sentiment has tanked, a New York Fed survey finds that consumers expect inflation to ease in the future.
Consumers are feeling the pinch of inflation pretty much any time they open their pocketbooks — but they're optimistic that price gains will ease in the coming years.
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Are wages keeping up with inflation? Depends on your job.

Feb 14, 2022
Some workers are seeing wage increases above the rate of inflation. But, overall, rising prices are outpacing rising wages.
Sure, wages are increasing right alongside prices right now. But, overall, prices are rising faster.
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Consumer sentiment is down. Will consumer spending follow?

Feb 14, 2022
The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index is at a 10-year low. But consumer demand and savings remain high.
The job market is booming. Wages are rising. And yet for the past few months now, consumers have been feeling worse and worse about their finances and the state of the U.S. economy.
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