Consumer Confidence Surged in December

Consumer confidence jumped to a five-month high as consumers were more optimistic about inflation and the economic outlook. This optimism was primarily driven by slowing inflation, expectations of lower interest rates, and fading fears of recession. The Consumer Confidence Index, reported by the Conference Board, rose 9.7 points from 101.0 to 110.7 in December, the…

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Building Materials Prices Inch Higher in November 

According to the latest Producer Price Index report, the price level of inputs to residential construction less energy (i.e., building materials) increased 0.2% in November after declining 0.4% in October (revised, not seasonally adjusted).  The index has increased 0.8% (NSA), year-to-date, marking the smallest YTD gain through November since it fell 0.2% over the first 11…

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Unraveling the Complex Tapestry of Inflation Dynamics: Post-Covid Changes

The report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston discusses the recent trends in consumer price inflation, focusing on the period from 2021 to June 2023. After experiencing elevated readings in 2021 and 2022, inflation has moderated this year. The total consumer price index (CPI) decreased from 6.4 percent in December 2022 to 3.1 percent…

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Building Materials Price Inflation Cools in September

According to the latest Producer Price Index report, the price level of inputs to residential construction less energy (i.e., building materials) was unchanged in September (not seasonally adjusted) after climbing 0.4% in August.  Prices have increased 0.8%, year-to-date, the smallest YTD gain through September since 2019. The Producer Price Index for all final demand goods rose…

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