Consumer Confidence at the Pump
The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report was recently released and confirmed what economists anticipated: consumer inflation has risen 7.9% over the past year, the largest spike since 1982— none of which is a surprise for anyone who has visited a gas station lately.1
With the price of gasoline trending higher, it may be tempting to attribute these prices to the global economic disruptions caused by Russia’s aggression toward Ukraine. However, the latest CPI reflected the 12-months ended in February and didn’t include most of the oil and gas price increases that followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24.2
There is a slight silver lining within the CPI, however. The food away from home index, which tracks restaurant purchases, rose 0.4 percent in February after increasing 0.7 percent in January. This could indicate strengthening consumer confidence despite inflation, as consumers continue to eat out.3
What does this all mean for consumers? It’s hard to say, but some predict further inflationary pressures, while others wait and see what the Fed says at its meeting next week.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding recent events and your portfolio, let us know. We’re always ready to help.
1. ABC7.com, March 10, 2022
2. BLS.gov, March 10, 2022
3. Ers.usda.gov, March 10, 2022
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Dr. Jason Van Duyn
586-731-6020
AQuest Wealth Strategies
President
Dr. Jason Van Duyn CFP®, ChFC, CLU, MBA is a Registered Representative with and Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC. The LPL Financial registered representative associated with this site may only discuss and/or transact securities business with residents of the following states: IN, IL, TX, MI, NC, AZ, VA, FL, OH and CO.