Inflation Fears Strike Back! Will Your Wallet Survive?

Fear I Sense

Troubling news I bring. A shadow looms over the wallets of many it does. Worries about inflation like a dark side cloud are rising. The New York Fed a survey they released yes. Consumer expectations not good. Higher prices unemployment's specter and a wobbly stock market fear these they do. Use the Force carefully you must when deciding what to spend.

Inflation: A Phantom Menace?

Inflation a slippery beast it is. Expectations for next year up they are. 3.6% they say a half point higher. Since October 2023 this high it has not been. "Always two there are no more no less. A master and an apprentice." Like inflation and unemployment. When one rises so to does the other almost always.

Unemployment: The Empire Strikes Back (At Your Job)

Unemployment a nasty surprise it can be. The chance of joblessness rising very high they believe. 44% up it is. Since the early days of the Covid pandemic not this high. Fear leads to anger anger leads to hate hate leads to… unemployment! A path we must avoid yes.

Stock Market: A Return of the Jedi (Maybe Not)

The stock market a fickle friend it is. Higher prices they expect less and less. Down it slides to 33.8% it has. Uncertainty a dangerous path it leads us down. "Luminous beings are we not this crude matter!" Investment strategies must be based on planning and information not on the Force.

Gold: The New Hope?

Gold a glimmer of hope it shows. Respondents say it is expected to rise by 5.2%. Since April 2022 this high it has not been. "Do or do not. There is no try." Invest in gold you must if you wish to succeed.

Tariffs: The Force Awakens (Consumer Angst)

Tariffs a disturbance in the Force they are. President Trump's "liberation day" tariffs announced then suspended. But the worry it lingers. Concerns over food rent and medical costs they have. Gasoline costs a slight decrease only felt they do. Attend CNBC Pro LIVE you must! Join interactive Pro clinics led by our Pros Carter Worth Dan Niles and Dan Ives with a special edition of Pro Talks with Tom Lee.