CPI Rose in December, a Sign the Fed’s Inflation Fight Has Stalled

Published On Jan 15, 2025, 8:36 AM

In December 2024, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.4% from November and increased 2.9% year-over-year, signaling that the Federal Reserve's efforts to control inflation may be stalling. A rise in grocery prices, particularly eggs, contributed to the overall increase. However, the core inflation rate, which excludes food and fuel prices, showed a slight reduction, increasing by 3.2% from the previous year. Despite notable improvements since mid-2022, progress against inflation has slowed significantly, causing concern among economists about the current state of the economy.

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The recent uptick in inflation could lead to a potential increase in interest rates as the Federal Reserve reacts to the data. This may negatively impact growth stocks and those sensitive to interest rate changes, while financials may benefit from higher rates.

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Consumer staples may also benefit as consumers continue to seek reliable products during inflationary conditions. Increased prices for groceries suggest consumers will gravitate towards stable consumer goods.

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