Consume Price Index Report  - July 2023

Pro & Cons

The US Core CPI is an important measure of inflation that excludes volatile food and energy prices. It is used to evaluate the underlying inflation trend and how it impacts consumers' purchasing power.The US Core CPI increased by 0.2% in July 2023 for the second consecutive month, which is the smallest back-to-back increases in more than two years.

Pro's

The US Core CPI's slight uptick indicates that inflationary pressures are not growing quickly. For consumers, this is advantageous because it keeps their money's purchasing power intact.

4/4 - Moderate Inflation:

Pro's

The fact that core inflation is not rising might provide customers and businesses a sense of stability. It shows that prices for goods and services are not quickly out of control.

3/4 - Stable Prices:

Pro's

Positive results are shown in the Federal Reserve's ability to control inflation without triggering a recession. It suggests that the central bank can maintain its current monetary policy without making sudden adjustments that would cause the economy to falter.

2/4 - Potential for Stable Monetary Policy:

Pro's

A healthy labor market, strong economic growth, and moderate inflation can all contribute to an increase in overall economic confidence. Customers might experience increased confidence in their financial security.

1/4 - Confidence in the Economy:  

Con's

Even though modest inflation is generally a good thing, it can eventually reduce the purchasing power of savings. Savings may be worth less in the future if earnings don't keep up with even mild inflation.

4/4 - Impact on Savings:  

Con's

Inflation may have an impact on some investments, such as fixed-income securities. The rewards on some assets can be restricted if inflation stays low.

3/4 - Investment Challenges:

Con's

On the other hand, extremely low inflation may indicate a slowdown in economic growth. Finding a balance between sound economic expansion and controllable inflation is difficult.

2/4 - Economic Growth Concerns:

Con's

The Federal Reserve's decisions regarding interest rates could be influenced by the inflation moderating. A protracted period of low inflation would raise concerns about the future course of interest rates, which would raise the cost of borrowing for both consumers and companies.

1/4 - Interest Rate Uncertainty:

Overall, both consumers and policymakers appear to find some solace in the recent trend of moderate increases in the US Core CPI. It implies that the Federal Reserve's attempts to manage inflation may be successful in doing so without impeding economic expansion. However, the effects of inflation are complicated and can change based on a person's situation and the state of the economy.