Powell’s caution on tariff-driven inflation is right
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Tariffs contributed modestly to the rise of inflation last month, analysts told ABC News, citing the price hikes in product categories made up primarily of imports. But, they added, overall price increases owed largely to a rise in housing and food products with little connection to tariffs.
Critics of President Trump's tariff policies have been waiting for the import taxes to raise the inflation rate. That effect may be beginning.
The case for a U.S. interest rate cut remains unresolved as Federal Reserve officials head into their policy meeting later this month, with data showing fresh signs of higher inflation and President Donald Trump intensifying his demands for lower borrowing costs.
We had a huge surge in inflation expectations when the tariffs were first announced, but there has been very little flow through from the tariffs to actual price changes. That’s mostly due to the prior point – corporations haven’t had to boost prices materially because they haven’t incurred significant actual tariff costs.
Egg prices cooled significantly in June, deviating from an overall rise in prices. The price of eggs climbed 27% over the year ending in June, which marked a slowdown from 41% year-over-year growth in May. Under Trump, inflation has defied doomsday predictions and helped to propel sturdy economic performance.
U.S. equity funds again came under selling pressure through the week to July 16, dampened by worries over President Donald Trump's tariff rhetoric and the buildup in inflationary pressure, potentially keeping the Federal Reserve cautious about a premature rate cut.
Current tariff collections equate to 0.1% monthly inflation, aligning with recent CPI data. See why I’m skeptical that tariffs will lead to widespread inflation.
New data showing price increases last month could foreshadow even higher costs if the president imposes steep tariffs on Aug. 1.
Rising rents were the main driver of inflation in June. But the price of clothing, appliances and toys also jumped — which likely reflects the effects of import taxes. Clothing prices rose 0.4% while the price of appliances and toys jumped nearly 2%.
A new report found inflation on the rise in June, another indicator of the affect Donald Trump's tariffs are having on the US economy.