Inflation

Core Summary The US Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate on September 17, 2026, ending a three-year cycle of rate cuts in a unanimous vote. The decision comes as the Iran conflict drives energy prices higher and inflation pressures persist. Despite repeated public demands from President Donald Trump for rate cuts, newly installed Fed Chair Warsh held firm and chose to tighten monetary policy to preserve central bank independence. Markets reacted with a sharp sell-off that gradually stabilized through the session. ...

U.S. equities sold off sharply after the Federal Reserve delivered its first rate hike in three years, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average shedding roughly 700 points. New Chair Kevin Warsh used his inaugural press conference to warn that inflation pressures remain elevated, rattling markets already anxious about the path of future tightening.

USA Today reported on September 13 that a large number of U.S. retirees who spent their lives saving are now deeply anxious about spending and retirement planning amid persistent inflation, rising healthcare and long-term-care costs and financial-market volatility. Multiple surveys show that more than half of U.S. retirees are cutting discretionary spending, delaying medical decisions or considering returning to part-time work. Financial advisers point out that the traditional ‘4 percent withdrawal rule’ can no longer support basic living costs in the current interest-rate and inflation environment, and retirement planning is undergoing a structural reassessment.

Major global bond markets are once again facing significant selling pressure, with long-end government bond yields rising in tandem across multiple countries. International oil prices have remained elevated against the backdrop of Middle East geopolitical tensions, further intensifying investor concerns over a return of inflation. Against this backdrop, the monetary policy paths of major central banks face new uncertainty, and volatility across global capital markets has notably increased.

The US 30-year Treasury yield has risen to its highest level since 2007, reflecting market concerns about persistent inflation and geopolitical risks. This benchmark rate’s climb could have far-reaching implications for global financial markets.

The S&P 500 index reached a new all-time high following the release of mild inflation data, creating optimistic expectations about future monetary policy direction. Investors are closely watching the Federal Reserve’s next moves.

US consumer inflation dipped to 3.4% annually in July, with food costs slowing and housing stabilizing.

Core Summary The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on July 14 that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell 0.4% in June, marking the largest monthly decline since 2020. Annual inflation slowed to 3.5%, while core CPI held at 2.6%. The data came in well below expectations, significantly reducing the likelihood of a Federal Reserve rate hike at its late-July meeting. Details According to the latest data, the overall CPI posted a rare month-over-month decline, driven primarily by falling gasoline prices. The core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy, remained at 2.6% year-over-year, slightly above the Fed’s 2% target but with clearly moderating momentum. ...

[Brief] Canada May CPI Accelerates to 3.2% Statistics Canada reported on June 22 that Canada’s May Consumer Price Index (CPI) accelerated to 3.2% year-over-year, above market expectations. The data reflects the impact of rising energy prices and supply chain cost pass-through on consumer prices. The inflation rebound may influence the Bank of Canada’s future interest rate decisions. 编辑：GoodInfo全球资讯组

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee kept the benchmark rate unchanged at 3.75%, balancing energy price relief from Iran ceasefire developments against persistent domestic services inflation.