Inflation on the Rise
Sep 2, 2020
Right now, many Americans are worried about their financial health due to the impact COVID-19 has had on the country. Adding to these concerns were July’s consumer prices— excluding food and energy—which rose at the highest rate in nearly 30 years. However, this jump may not be as scary as it looks on the surface. Let’s dive into inflation on the rise.
We’ll get a better idea about the trend on inflation when the Consumer Price Index for August 2020 is released on Friday, September 11. But here are some factors to keep in mind.1
The 2% rule
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, core inflation is 1.6% year-over-year on an unadjusted basis. Some investors may view this as alarming given that this is the largest jump since January 1991. However, considering the Fed’s 2% target, this could be a relatively benign number.2
Inflation or Disinflation?
Chairman Powell made it known, following the most recent meeting of the Fed, that the board was wary of disinflationary pressures over inflationary ones. True, the Fed often takes a long-view approach, but this may still be positive news. Disinflation occurs when price inflation slows down temporarily. The Fed often uses this term when describing periods of slowing inflation.3
Mixed Opinions
Regardless, many professionals are divided over what this jump in price means. For some, it signals the American economy took a step toward recovery. For others, they believe inflation is already here and that July’s numbers are a warning shot across the bow.4
Despite recent headlines, many believe more data is needed before this can be called anything other than a data point. However, if you’re concerned about the trend in inflation, it’s never a bad idea to contact your financial professional to learn more about inflationary pressures or to chat about the upcoming CPI numbers due to be released in September.
Tags: Current Events, Financial Help, Personal Finance
More Insights
Apr 24, 2024
A thoughtful retirement strategy may help you pursue your many retirement goals. That strategy must consider many factors, and here are just a few: your income needs, the order of your withdrawals from taxable and tax-advantaged retirement accounts, the income tax implications of those withdrawals, and sequence of return risk.
Apr 22, 2024
Losing a spouse is a stressful transition. And the added pressure of having to settle the estate and organize finances can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make dealing with these matters less difficult.
Apr 19, 2024
Ever hear of critical illness insurance? This isn’t standard-issue disability insurance, but a cousin of sorts. With people living longer, it is a risk management option entering more people’s lives.
Apr 17, 2024
Following Iran’s missile and drone strikes on Israel over the weekend and the apparent escalation likely in any Israeli response, stocks fell sharply during Monday’s trading session. We examine the latest developments in the Middle East conflict, how stocks have reacted historically to geopolitical events, and the possible impact on markets moving forward.
Apr 15, 2024
Did you buy U.S. Savings Bonds decades ago? Or did your parents or grandparents purchase them for you? If they’re collecting dust in a drawer, you may want to take a look at them to see if any of your bonds have matured. If your bonds have matured, that means they are no longer earning … Continue reading “How US Savings Bonds Work”
Top of Page
Services
Epic Capital provides the following comprehensive financial planning and investment management services: Learn More >
Find us on:
Copyright © 2024 Epic Capital Wealth Management. All Rights Reserved.
Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC.
The LPL Financial representative associated with this website may discuss and/or transact securities business only with residents of the following states: CA, CO, DC, DE, FL, GA, IN, LA, MD, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA.