Summary
Food and shelter costs have contributed significantly to inflation rates that have exceeded expectations in recent months. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for September indicated a 2.4% increase year-over-year, driven primarily by rising food prices and shelter costs, which have remained persistently high despite some easing in supply chain pressures.
The Federal Reserve reported that food prices rose 0.4% from the previous month, contributing to an annual increase of 2.3%. Shelter costs also saw a rise of 0.2%, leading to a 4.9% increase over the past year. This inflationary trend is particularly concerning as it impacts households already grappling with elevated costs for basic necessities. The ongoing economic landscape has raised questions about the sustainability of price increases, with some analysts pointing to “greedflation”—the notion that companies may exploit inflationary conditions to enhance profit margins. As the Federal Trade Commission investigates the grocery sector, including the proposed Kroger-Albertsons merger, the interplay between market consolidation and consumer pricing remains a focal point for regulators and economists alike.
Consumer Price Index report shows ongoing inflation risks
Oct. 10 / Axios / Analyzes inflation risks and the Fed's cautious approach to interest rates, providing a nuanced view of economic conditions. The discussion on core CPI trends is particularly relevant for economic forecasts. “ Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics; Chart: Axios VisualsInflation is no longer a crisis, but it hasn't fully gone away as a problem. Thursday's Consumer Price...
Out today: The good news and bad news about inflation
Oct. 10 / Npr / Sums up inflation trends with a focus on the mixed signals from recent data. The mention of Social Security adjustments offers insight into broader economic implications that may affect households. “ Inflation cooled less than expected in September. Consumer prices were up 2.4% from 2024. The government announced that Social Security recipients will get a...
Food and Shelter Costs Push Inflation Higher Than Expected
Oct. 10 / Brietbart / Offers a detailed examination of inflation's unexpected rise, attributing it primarily to food and shelter costs. The analysis of core CPI adds depth, making it valuable for those tracking economic indicators. “ U.S. inflation is running hotter than expected. The consumer price index rose in September 2.4 percent from a year earlier, the Department of Labor said...
US Sep Consumer Prices +0.2%; Consensus +0.1%
Oct. 10 / Marketwatch / Highlights the latest CPI data, showing a 2.4% increase year-over-year, and provides a succinct overview of factors contributing to inflation, making it a solid reference for understanding current trends. “
Grocery chains are bigger than ever. Here’s a look at the market.
Sep. 25 / The Portland Press Herald / Explores the grocery market's consolidation and its implications for competition and pricing. The historical context enhances understanding of current market dynamics, making it a comprehensive resource. “ An Albertsons grocery store in Boise, Idaho. Sarah A. Miller/Idaho Statesman via AP, file Tom Thumb in Plano, Texas. Star Market in Dorchester,...
Kroger-Albertsons merger could raise grocery costs, FTC chair warns
Sep. 22 / Cbs News / Focuses on the potential impact of the Kroger-Albertsons merger on grocery prices, presenting a balanced view of regulatory concerns and corporate justifications, which is crucial for understanding market dynamics. “ The largest proposed grocery merger in U.S. history is being challenged in court, with Federal Trade Commission antitrust regulators saying a merger could...
Kroger-Albertsons merger will increase costs for shoppers, says FTC chair
Sep. 23 / The Guardian / Reports on FTC Chair Lina Khan's warnings regarding the merger's impact on grocery costs, providing a critical perspective on market consolidation and its potential consequences for consumers. “ Lina Khan made remark on largest-ever US grocery merger, which FTC is seeking to block, on CBS’s 60 Minutes