Returning Inflation Is Putting The Fed In A Tough Spot | Truflation's Oliver Rust
Feb 29, 2024
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Discussing the impact of inflation on purchasing power, guest Oliver Rust introduces Truflation, a new inflation calculation service. True inflation rates are analyzed, focusing on housing data discrepancies and rising costs. Insights on inflation trends, labor costs, and implications for the housing market are explored, emphasizing the need for diverse perspectives and challenging views in decision-making.
Trueflation provides a more accurate inflation measurement using blockchain technology.
Concerns arise about the sustainability of current wage growth outpacing inflation.
Navigating inflation impact requires asset diversification and embracing innovation.
Deep dives
The Impact of Inflation on Consumers
Inflation has significantly impacted consumers' spending, with a 24% increase observed from 2020 to today. This rise has outpaced wage increases over the same period, rendering US consumers worse off. However, recent trends show wages starting to outstrip inflation, providing a glimmer of relief. Despite this, concerns remain about the sustainability of this shift.
True Inflation Calculation Service
Trueflation, a blockchain-based real-time inflation calculation service, challenges the accuracy of government-reported inflation figures. By utilizing over 10 million data points, Trueflation aims to provide a more precise measurement reflecting households' actual experiences of inflation. This innovative approach offers a unique perspective on inflation rates, potentially diverging from official government statistics.
Concerns on Inflation Trends
While Trueflation's calculation currently indicates inflation rates below the Fed's 2% objective, concerns persist regarding the potential resurgence of inflation fueled by factors like labor market tightness and continued wage growth. The delicate balance between addressing inflation and fostering economic growth poses challenges for future monetary policy decisions.
Divergence between Trueflation and Official Data
Observations reveal varied inflation data comparisons between Trueflation and official sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Trueflation's data trends have shown both higher and lower numbers than the BLS at different points, potentially signaling a leading indicator effect. Despite statistical divergences, aligning data sets can demonstrate close correlations.
Economic Concerns and Future Outlook
Economic growth, wage dynamics, and inflation trends intertwine to shape the future landscape. Factors like onshoring, geopolitical risks, and escalating housing costs impact consumers and the economy. Evaluating these multifaceted elements reveals potential challenges ahead, underscoring the need for innovative solutions and informed financial strategies.
Focus on Purchasing Power and Investments
Navigating the impact of inflation on purchasing power, securing assets like cryptocurrencies, real-world assets, and fostering economic growth through innovation are crucial considerations. Diversification, ongoing learning, and embracing diverse perspectives enable individuals to adapt to changing economic landscapes and potential challenges ahead.
Inflation has been called the invisible tax.
Economist John Maynard Keynes wrote that, through it, "Governments can confiscate, secretly and unobserved, an important part of the wealth of their citizens" in a process that "engages all the hidden forces of economic law on the side of destruction, and does it in a manner which not one man in a million is able to diagnose."
Which is why it's very important to know what's happening with inflation and where it's headed.
But should we rely on government's reported numbers, as distorted as they are by fudge-factors like hedonics and substitution, and possible manipulation for political optics?
No, says today's guest, Oliver Rust, co-founder of Truflation, a new blockchain-based real-time inflation calculation service that uses over 10 million data points to yield a more accurate measurement that represents what households actually experience.
We'll find out what he thinks the true inflation rate is and where he sees it heading next.
Follow Truflation at https://truflation.com/ or on social media at @truflation
Email Oliver at oliver@truflation.com
WANT TO PROTECT THE PURCHASING POWER OF YOUR WEALTH? Schedule your free portfolio review with Thoughtful Money's endorsed financial advisors at https://www.thoughtfulmoney.com
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