What's happened
As of December 15, 2024, inflation rates in major economies are stabilizing, with the US consumer price index at 2.7%. However, concerns remain about potential tariffs and geopolitical tensions that could disrupt this trend. Analysts predict continued volatility in financial markets as investors adjust their strategies.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Times, inflation rates are trending positively, with the US CPI settling at 2.7%, which may lead to another interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve. However, fund managers express skepticism about the permanence of this trend, citing potential punitive tariffs and geopolitical conflicts as significant risks. John Authers from Bloomberg highlights that while the US stock market appears strong, it is increasingly being overshadowed by private assets, suggesting a shift in investment focus. Furthermore, Authers notes that consumer expectations regarding inflation remain above the Federal Reserve's target, indicating that inflationary pressures may not be fully under control.
How we got here
Inflation has been a significant concern for global economies, particularly in the US, where recent data shows a slight decrease in consumer prices. However, ongoing geopolitical issues and potential trade tariffs pose risks to this stabilization.
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John Authers, is a British financial journalist and finance author, who spent almost three decades reporting at the Financial Times, before moving to Bloomberg in 2018.