Inflation Remains Sticky due to Persistent Housing Costs

Consumer prices picked up again in January while core prices remained elevated, especially housing costs. Despite a slowdown in the year-over-year increase, shelter costs continue to put upward pressure on inflation, accounting for over two-thirds of the total increase in all items excluding food and energy. This hotter-than-expected report will almost certainly delay Fed rate…

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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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