Inflation vs. deflation: Retailers fear falling prices

A man with a paper bag of groceries looks surprised and upset at a receipt from a supermarket with high prices against the background of an escalator with customers in the shopping center.  Elena Perova | Istock | Getty Images Just ahead of the holiday season, Walmart had encouraging news for inflation-weary shoppers: Prices on … Read more

Deflation vs. disinflation: What’s the difference?

A customer visits a supermarket in San Mateo, California, on Dec. 12, 2023. Li Jianguo | Xinhua News Agency | Getty Images Inflation is retreating from its pandemic-era highs. Economic jargon yields two similar terms — “deflation” and “disinflation” — that might describe this pullback. So, which is the U.S. experiencing? In short: disinflation. What … Read more

Fed sparks irrational market optimism on possible rate cuts: Sheila Bair

Market optimism over the potential for interest rate cuts next year is dangerously overdone, according to former FDIC Chair Sheila Bair. Bair, who ran the FDIC during the 2008 financial crisis, suggested Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell was irresponsibly dovish at last week’s policy meeting by creating “irrational exuberance” among investors. “The focus still needs … Read more

Deflation could be coming this holiday, Walmart CEO says

Shoppers may get an early present this holiday season: falling prices in many gift-giving categories. On Thursday, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said deflation could be coming as general merchandise and key grocery items, such as eggs, chicken and seafood get cheaper. He said the retailer expects some of the stickier higher prices, such as the … Read more

China’s deflation may spill over into a world concern, economists say

SHENZHEN, CHINA – MARCH 09: View of excessive industrial and residential buildings on March 9, 2016 in Shenzhen, China. Normal financial slowdown continues in China whereas the property value and inventory bubble faces threat. (Picture by Zhong Zhi/Getty Photographs) Zhong Zhi | Getty Photographs Information | Getty Photographs China’s financial challenges have given rise to … Read more

China shopper costs fall first time in 2 years, deflation fears develop

Clients at a contemporary meals market in Shanghai, China, on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023. Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Photographs BEIJING — China reported inflation knowledge for July that pointed to a modest enchancment from June. The buyer value index fell by 0.3% in July from a 12 months in the past, however was up … Read more