While the Federal Reserve’s target inflation rate remains at 2%, rising auto prices and energy costs present the biggest challenges to cooling inflation in the short term. Annex Wealth Management Chief Economist Brian Jacobsen joins Yahoo Finance live anchor Rachelle Akuffo to explain why it may be a long time until the Fed finally achieves its target rate, especially if a “protracted” government shutdown becomes a reality. Jacobsen explains why “it’s really consumer spending” — which has slowed in the third quarter of 2023 — that will be the biggest “pain” in realizing the Fed’s ultimate inflation goal. For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Yahoo Finance Live.
Subscribe to Yahoo Finance:
#youtube #inflation #yahoofinance

About Yahoo Finance:
At Yahoo Finance, you get free stock quotes, up-to-date news, portfolio management resources, international market data, social interaction and mortgage rates that help you manage your financial life.

Yahoo Finance Plus: With a subscription to Yahoo Finance Plus get the tools you need to invest with confidence. Discover new opportunities with expert research and investment ideas backed by technical and fundamental analysis. Optimize your trades with advanced portfolio insights, fundamental analysis, enhanced charting, and more.
To learn more about Yahoo Finance Plus please visit:

Connect with Yahoo Finance:
Get the latest news:
Find Yahoo Finance on Facebook:
Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter:
Follow Yahoo Finance on Instagram:
Follow Yahoo Finance Premium on Twitter: …(read more)

LEARN ABOUT: Investing During Inflation

REVEALED: Best Investment During Inflation

HOW TO INVEST IN GOLD: Gold IRA Investing

HOW TO INVEST IN SILVER: Silver IRA Investing

The Federal Reserve’s inflation target has been a subject of much debate and scrutiny among economists, with many asserting that it has a long and ‘bumpy road’ ahead.

The Fed’s inflation target, set at 2%, is aimed at promoting price stability and enabling a healthy economic environment. However, achieving this target consistently has proven to be challenging. Despite their best efforts, the Federal Reserve has struggled to maintain inflation at the desired level over the past few years.

One of the main reasons for this difficulty is the lack of control the Fed has over certain factors that influence inflation. While monetary policy can certainly impact inflation in the long run, short-term changes in price levels are influenced by a wide range of factors such as energy and commodity prices, geopolitical events, and consumer behavior.

Furthermore, the current global economic landscape has also posed challenges to the Fed’s inflation target. With the rise of globalization and the increased integration of economies, external factors can significantly impact inflation in the United States. For example, a slowdown in China’s economy or a sudden surge in oil prices can have far-reaching effects on inflation rates.

Another obstacle the Fed has encountered is the structural changes within the economy. Technological advancements and changes in labor markets, among other things, have altered the traditional relationships between inflation, wages, and employment. Consequently, the Phillips curve, which used to reliably illustrate the relationship between unemployment and inflation, has become less accurate in recent years.

Furthermore, the Covid-19 pandemic significantly disrupted the global economy, presenting an unprecedented challenge to the Fed’s inflation target. The pandemic-induced lockdowns and supply chain disruptions caused significant deflationary pressures, leading to a sharp drop in consumer demand and depressed inflation rates. As economies recover, the process of restarting and recalibrating inflation will prove to be complex and uncertain.

Given these challenges, many economists argue that the Fed’s inflation target will continue to face a ‘bumpy road’ in the coming years. Some even question the viability and effectiveness of a fixed numerical inflation target altogether. They argue that rather than aiming for a specific inflation target, the Fed should adopt a more flexible and nuanced approach to monetary policy.

One alternative approach that has been suggested is targeting a range of inflation rates rather than a fixed number. This would allow for some flexibility and accommodation to external shocks while still maintaining price stability as the primary objective. Additionally, many economists propose that the Fed should prioritize other objectives alongside inflation, such as employment and income growth.

In conclusion, the Federal Reserve’s inflation target faces numerous challenges on the road ahead. External factors, structural changes, and global events make it difficult for the Fed to consistently achieve its desired inflation rate of 2%. As the global economy continues to evolve, it is likely that the Fed will need to explore more flexible and adaptable approaches to monetary policy. The journey towards achieving a stable inflation target will undoubtedly be a long and complicated one.