Summary
Highlights
While recent CPI reports show headline inflation dropping due to lower gasoline prices, core and service-side inflation remain stubbornly high. The market's optimism ignores the underlying price pressures in recreation, household furnishings, and personal care.
Super core inflation, which measures labor-driven price pressure by excluding shelter and energy, remains significantly above the Fed's 2% target. Despite a recent monthly decline, the trend remains disconnected from the Fed's objectives.
The federal government is borrowing at unprecedented levels, injecting trillions into the economy. This fiscal spending effectively counteracts the Fed's interest rate hikes, creating a state of 'fiscal dominance' where higher rates increase debt servicing costs, forcing further government borrowing.
The current inflationary environment is structural rather than temporary. As the government continues to spend without restraint, the path toward the 2% inflation target will be significantly more difficult and prolonged, regardless of the Fed's monetary policy decisions.