A remarkable thing happened yesterday that tells you everything you need to know about inflation.
In the morning, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stated bluntly that “interest rates will have to rise somewhat to make sure that our economy doesn’t overheat. . .”
For economists, an ‘overheating economy’ means inflation. So she was essentially saying that rates would have to rise to prevent inflation.
Yet hours later, she completely reversed herself, saying that interest rates would NOT have to rise because “I don’t think there’s going to be an inflationary problem.”
You don’t need a PhD in economics to smell the BS.
Inflation is not some potential issue down the road. Inflation is already here.
As Warren Buffett told investors only days ago, “We’re seeing very substantial inflation.”
Plenty of companies have already announced price increases to their consumers–
Proctor & Gamble, for instance, announced price hikes across the board on just about everything from diapers to beauty creams.
Hershey’s announced in February that it would be raising prices.
Food giant General Mills complained in February about a “higher inflationary environment” and “input cost pressures” due to rising commodity prices.
Clorox, Shake Shack, Kimberly-Clark, Whirlpool, Hormel, and Woka Kola Coca Cola are among the many companies that have also announced price increases.
And according to Bank of America Global Research, the number of mentions of “inflation” on corporate earnings calls has increased 800% compared to last year.
Inflation is clearly a concern of the largest companies in the world. Investors are worried. Consumers can see it.
And in a rare moment of truth yesterday morning, a politician almost admitted that she was concerned about inflation too.
This is not some wild conspiracy. Inflation is real. It’s happening. Let’s look at three key drivers:
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