Yesterdayβs inflation numbers came in flat, driven by plunging energy costs β standard in early recession. And, of course, fortified by a fictitious 34% drop in health insurance costs.
The numbers were a bump of coke to markets, who decided the Fedβs done hiking. Yet core inflation came in hot once again, marking the 28th month at or above 4% in this very transitory inflation of ours.
Beyond energy, we saw ominous drops in used cars and household goods. Both suggesting consumers are battening down the hatches.