Inflation eases but stays high, putting Fed in tough spot
Even though prices are rising much faster than the Fed wants, some economists expect the central bank to suspend its year-long streak of interest rate hikes when it meets next week.
Inflation
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U.S. adds robust 311,000 jobs despite Fed’s rate hikes
Nearly all of last month’s hiring occurred in services industries—from restaurants and hotels to retailers and health care companies.
Powell says ‘no decision’ on size of Fed’s next rate hike
Jerome Powell’s more nuanced remarks Wednesday appeared to be an effort to quell any assumption that the Fed has already decided to raise rates more aggressively based on a recent string of data that pointed to strong economic growth and still-high inflation.
Powell: Rate hikes could accelerate if economy stays strong
Most economists and Wall Street investors had expected the Fed to carry out another quarter-point increase when it next meets March 21-22. But in recent days, traders have been pricing in a greater likelihood of a half-point increase.
Fed says more rate hikes needed to curb inflation
U.S. central bankers are waging their most aggressive action against high inflation in a generation.
US economy sending mixed signals: Here’s what it all means
Here’s a closer look at the economy’s vital signs at a perplexing time of high interest rates, still-punishing inflation and surprisingly strong economic gains.
Key U.S. inflation measure surges at fastest rate since June
January’s price data exceeded forecasters’ expectations, confounding hopes that inflation was steadily decelerating and that the Fed could relent on its campaign of rate hikes.
Wholesale price pressures emerge despite long-term slowdown
Wholesale prices in the United States reaccelerated in January, indicating that inflation pressures continue to underlie the U.S. economy despite longer-term signs of improvement.
U.S. inflation down slightly, but remains stubbornly high
Tuesday’s consumer price report from the government showed that inflationary pressures in the U.S. economy remain high and are likely to fuel price spikes well into this year.
Fed’s Powell: Strong hiring could force further rate hikes
Jerome Powell’s remarks followed the government’s blockbuster report last week that employers added 517,000 jobs in January, nearly double December’s gain. The unemployment rate fell to its lowest level in 53 years, 3.4%.
Fed lifts rate by quarter-point and signals more hikes ahead
The Fed’s latest move, though smaller than its previous hike—and even larger rate increases before that—will likely further raise the costs of many consumer and business loans and the risk of a recession.
U.S. wage growth slowed in the final quarter of 2022
Pay and benefits for America’s workers grew at a healthy but more gradual pace in the final three months of 2022, the third straight slowdown that could help reassure the Federal Reserve that wage gains won’t fuel higher inflation.
IMF upgrades outlook for global economy in 2023
The International Monetary Fund, a 190-country lending organization, foresees inflation easing this year, a result of aggressive interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve and other major central banks.
Fed, set to impose smaller hike, might hint at fewer increases
With signs of weaker economic growth along with steadily lower inflation readings, reduced consumer spending and even some signs of a slowdown in the job market, the Federal Reserve is now navigating a more treacherous terrain.
Key inflation gauge cools further, paving way for smaller Fed rate hike
The figures added to mounting evidence that the worst bout of inflation in a generation has passed as the Fed’s aggressive tightening campaign works its way through the economy.
U.S. inflation, consumer spending cooled in December
The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge eased further in December, and consumer spending fell — the latest evidence that the Fed’s series of interest rate hikes are slowing the economy.
Fed’s Mester: Rate hikes have begun to quell U.S. inflation
Loretta Mester, a key Federal Reserve policymaker, said further rate hikes are still needed to decisively crush the worst inflation bout in four decades.
Wholesale inflation in U.S. eased further in December
The ongoing slowdown in wholesale price growth is adding to evidence that the worst bout of inflation in four decades is steadily easing, though it remains far above the Federal Reserve’s target of 2%.
U.S. consumer inflation eases for sixth straight month
The softer readings add to growing signs that the worst inflation bout in four decades is gradually waning. Still, the Fed doesn’t expect inflation to slow enough to get close to its 2% target until well into 2024.
Inflation report could show another month of cooling price hikes
The U.S. inflation report for December being released Thursday morning could provide another welcome sign that the worst bout of spiking prices in four decades is slowly weakening.