Plain English with Derek Thompson U.S. Economy FAQ: Skyrocketing Insurance Prices, Stuck Inflation, Higher Rates, and Wrong Experts
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Apr 16, 2024 
Jason Furman, a Harvard economics professor and inflation expert, dives into pressing economic issues. He explains why home and auto insurance prices have surged dramatically. Furman also reveals why inflation stagnated in 2024, debunking misconceptions from previous forecasts. He discusses the persistent high prices that hinder disinflation and speculates on the future trajectory of interest rates, predicting they may remain elevated for years to come. His insights shed light on the complex relationship between consumer sentiment and economic realities.
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Inflation's Impact and Disinflation Pause
- Inflation significantly impacts the economy, evidenced by its rise to 9% in mid-2022 and subsequent decline.
- Initial optimism for a continued decline, or disinflation, has stalled, raising concerns about its trajectory.
Revised Inflation Outlook
- Current inflation, around 3%, is better than initially predicted but worse than recent forecasts.
- Initial disinflation success might be attributed to good underlying factors and temporary good luck.
Micro and Macro Inflation Factors
- Micro-factors like rising auto insurance premiums and stalled shelter cost declines contribute to inflation.
- Macro factors, like wage inflation exceeding price inflation, offer valuable economic insights.