WSJ What’s News Why Economists Are Urging Caution About November’s Inflation Report
17 snips
Dec 18, 2025 
Chao Deng, a Wall Street Journal reporter focused on the U.S. economy, dives into the recent inflation dip to 2.7% and discusses why this figure might be misleading. He shares insights on how the Fed is likely to maintain caution before adjusting interest rates. Meanwhile, Benoit Faucon, a security correspondent, explores ISIS's online radicalization tactics and the implications of a recent attack in Sydney, highlighting the shift from organized operations to inspired lone-wolf incidents. Together, they unravel complex stories affecting both economy and security.
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Shutdown May Have Masked True Inflation
- The November CPI likely understated inflation because the government shutdown disrupted data collection and forced assumptions on housing costs.
- Black Friday and Thanksgiving timing may have biased collected prices downward, reducing the headline rate.
Fed Will Wait For December Data
- Markets and policymakers are cautious because the Fed will see December inflation before its next meeting and won't overreact to possibly distorted November data.
- Chair Jerome Powell had warned to downplay the November reading due to potential distortions.
Merger Targets AI Power Needs
- Trump Media's merger with TAE Technologies aims to position the company to serve AI's growing power needs by advancing fusion projects.
- The deal values the combined company at about $6 billion despite fusion not yet being commercially proven.