By
Inverse Couple Images | Moment | Getty ImagesConsumers have been hearing a lot about inflation in the U.S. economy since early 2021. And rightfully so: At their pandemic-era peak, consumer prices were rising faster than at any point in 40 years.But the dynamic seems to have shifted.Inflation has been declining gradually, which means prices are still rising but at a slower pace — also known as disinflation. And some prices have actually deflated over the past year, according to the consumer price index.Deflation is the opposite of inflation: It means consumers are seeing prices decline in certain categories.Why some prices are deflatingLargely, this deflationary dynamic is occurring on the “goods” side of the U.S. economy — the tangible objects that Americans buy, economists said. Goods encompass roughly a quarter of the consumer price index.There are several reasons for this. For one, a stronger U.S. dollar makes imported goods cheaper. Some of those savings — on items like apparel and furniture — get passed on to consumers, said Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody’s Analytics.The dynamic is also somewhat a reversion to the pre-pandemic norm, Zandi said.Goods deflation was typical before the pandemic, he said. But the health crisis snarled global supply chains, causing shortages that fueled big spikes in prices. Energy costs surged when Russia invaded Ukraine, pushing up transportation and other distribution costs.Now, supply-chain disruptions are largely in the rearview mirror, he said. …
See the entire article on inflation, or, read more Arizona real estate investing news. It’s your call!
