Marketplace All-in-One That CPI report got a Black Friday discount
Dec 18, 2025
November's inflation data shows surprises, but lacking October reports raises questions. Experts predict a rebound in the housing market by 2026, although new-home builders face inventory challenges. There's a shift in political favor towards simple fixes over economists' advice, leading to a growing mistrust in economic expertise. Meanwhile, rising debts in AI infrastructure raise concerns about future risks. All these topics intertwine to highlight the dynamic landscape of the economy.
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November CPI Is Misleading
- The November CPI looked low but is unreliable because October data were skipped and collection began mid-November.
- Holiday discounts captured in the second half of November likely pulled measured prices down, skewing inflation readings.
Shelter Numbers May Be Too Rosy
- Shelter costs in November showed a sharp slowdown that economists warn may be too good to be true.
- Missing six weeks of data collection may have distorted rental and shelter measures in the CPI.
Jobs And Inflation Together Hint At Cooling
- Pairing the flawed CPI with the delayed jobs report suggests a weakening labor market and sticky inflation above 2%.
- Reduced spending from a cooling job market could help bring inflation down, but December data are needed.