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Inflation expectations are calm, but some expect that to change

Nov 20, 2024
The Federal Reserve may take note of whether businesses anticipate having to pay higher wages or raise prices under the next administration.
Consumers want prices to fall back to pre-pandemic levels, said Chris Jackson, head of public polling at Ipsos.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Should the Fed raise its 2% inflation target?

Jun 12, 2023
Some economists think the Fed should aim higher than that magical 2% rate.
Jerome Powell is expected to announce a pause on interest rate hikes this week as the Fed tries get inflation down to a target of 2%.
Win McNamee/Getty Images

Japanese shocked by rising prices after decades of economic stagnation

Jun 20, 2022
Japan had struggled to even reach the central bank inflation target of 2%.
Japanese consumers have come to expect stable prices, making it difficult for stores to consider increasing them.
Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images

Could a little more inflation be good for the economy?

Jul 26, 2021
The Federal Reserve is aiming for long-term inflation of 2%. But economists say a bit more could help some workers and borrowers.
Stock traders tend to fear the higher interest rates that often accompany inflation. But inflation can also signal a healthy increase in economic activity.
Spencer Platt via Getty Images

Fed: Rates to stay ultra-low even after inflation picks up

Aug 27, 2020
The change will allow the central bank to keep interest rates low even if inflation tops its 2% target.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is announcing a major change in policy Thursday that will allow the central bank to keep interest rates low even if inflation tops its 2% target.
Tasos Katopodis/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

What is CPI, and what exactly does it measure?

Aug 10, 2020
The consumer price index can affect your next raise, and Social Security cost-of-living adjustments are tied to it.
A woman checks out her purchases at a grocery store in New Jersey. CPI tracks the monthly change in the cost of consumer goods and services.
Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

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The Fed rethinks its inflation target

Jan 9, 2018
The Federal Reserve has two main jobs: maximize employment and keep prices stable. That second piece, stable prices, has meant the Fed tries to keep inflation at 2 percent. Former Fed Chair Ben Bernanke made that target the explicit goal about six years ago, but it’s been unofficial far longer than that. Lots of other […]