Consumer prices, as measured by the personal-consumption expenditures price index, have experienced a rare decline, marking the first decrease in more than three years. However, it’s important not to get too carried away with this news, as cooling energy prices, which are known for their volatility, have played a significant role in driving the disinflation trend.
November Sees a 0.1% Slide in Prices
The headline personal-consumption expenditures price index experienced a slight decline of 0.1% in November compared to the previous month. While this drop is noteworthy as it represents the first price decrease since April 2020, it’s essential to remember that the index remains 2.6% higher than it was a year ago. To provide a more accurate measure of inflation, the core index excludes energy and food prices, which tend to be volatile. This core index rose by 3.2% year over year.
Progress Towards the Federal Reserve’s Inflation Target
Although the core PCE index still exceeds the Federal Reserve’s inflation target of 2%, it has been gradually inching closer. In fact, it has significantly decreased from its peak of 5.6% in February 2022, indicating a promising trend towards achieving the desired levels of inflation.
Uneven Retreat of Inflation
It’s worth noting that the retreat of inflation has not been uniform. Prices of goods have been steadily declining since September and took a significant dip of 0.7% in November compared to the previous month. Conversely, prices for services have been on the rise, showing an increase of 0.2% in November when compared to October.
The recent dip in consumer prices offers glimpses of hope but should be examined within the context of energy price fluctuations. As we continue to navigate the economic landscape, keeping a close eye on inflation trends will remain crucial.
Falling Energy Prices Impact Inflation
The recent decline in energy prices has played a significant role in the shift in inflation rates. In November, energy prices fell by 5.6% compared to the previous month and were 10% lower than the levels seen a year ago. Notably, fuel oil, primarily used for heating purposes, is now 25% cheaper than it was just a year ago.
Despite the decrease in energy prices, the overall PCE (Personal Consumption Expenditures) index remained steady in November when excluding energy costs. This indicates that prices in other sectors have not seen significant changes.
Reduction in Prices of Household and Recreational Goods
There has been a substantial decrease in prices for household and recreational goods as well. When compared to prices from a year ago, home appliances like televisions and computers have become much more affordable. Additionally, other items such as clocks, lamps, carpets, and tableware have also experienced notable price declines.
Fluctuating Food Prices
Although food prices remain 1.8% higher than one year ago, they did experience a slight decrease of 0.1% from the previous month. In November, numerous food items, including meat and poultry, processed dairy, vegetables, fruits, and alcoholic beverages purchased at grocery stores, saw significant price drops.
Positive Outlook: Easing Price Pressures and Resilient Labor Market
Thanks to the easing of price pressures and a strong labor market, many investors have gained a sense of optimism regarding inflation control while avoiding an economic recession. This phenomenon is often referred to as a “soft landing.” The Federal Reserve recently projected that it would begin reducing interest rates next year as inflation continues to stabilize.