Inflation Pressures, Fed Outlook and Retail Price Moves
Inflation may rise as Middle East tensions grow, layoffs remain low, Target cuts prices on 3,000 items, and McDonald’s plans new $3 value menu options starting this spring.
CPI Expected to Climb as War in Middle East Escalates
U.S. consumers paid more for rent, gasoline and items at the supermarket in February, and it isn’t likely to stop there.
With the war in the Middle East escalating, observers think higher costs are in store.
According to a report from Reuters, the Consumer Price Index report issued by the Labor Department on Wednesday, which also showed underlying inflation muted last month, covered the period before the U.S. and Israel launched strikes against Iran. Read Full Article
Low Layoffs, Middle East War Could Impact Fed Decisions
Despite the fact the Labor Department reported last week the U.S. economy lost 96,000 jobs last month, the number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits fell last week.
That statistics would seem to indicate some stability in the labor market, though the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran poses a downside risk. Read Full Article
Target Lowering Prices on 3,000 Products Headed into Spring
MINNEAPOLIS (PRNewswire) – Target Corporation is lowering prices on more than 3,000 on-trend items across its apparel and home assortment, baby essentials and select food and beverages as guests get ready for spring. Read Full Article
McDonald’s Expected to Introduce $3 Extra-Value Items
McDonald’s is expected to introduce menu items priced at $3 or less, along with $4 breakfast meal deals in the U.S., starting in April.
The Wall Street Journal reported the story on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the discussions. Read Full Article