Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen discusses the decrease in inflation, the concept of a soft landing in the economy, the disconnect between perception and reality in the economy, US engagement with China, and the differences between the chair of the Fed and the Treasury Secretary.
Inflation in the U.S. is coming down and the economy is on a path to achieving a soft landing.
Pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions and labor market disruptions have contributed to the rise and fall of inflation.
Deep dives
Inflation is gradually declining
According to the latest Consumer Price Index report, inflation in the U.S. is starting to slow down. The Federal Reserve's monetary policy tightening campaign and supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic have contributed to the decline in inflation. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen believes that inflation will continue to decrease gradually, without posing a significant challenge, as the economy operates at full employment and inflation expectations remain well under control.
Factors contributing to inflation and its decline
The pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions and labor market disruptions have been significant factors in the surge of inflation. However, these disruptions are gradually healing, leading to a normalization of the labor market and a decrease in inflationary pressures. The gradual settling of workers into new jobs and the increase in labor force participation have also helped ease inflationary pressures. Secretary Yellen acknowledges the need for further research to fully understand the factors that caused inflation to rise and fall.
The disconnect between economic indicators and public perception
Despite the positive economic indicators, such as low unemployment rates and decreasing inflation, there seems to be a disconnect between public perception and the actual state of the economy. Secretary Yellen attributes this disconnect to the lingering effects of the pandemic, as well as certain costs, such as rents and home prices, continuing to rise. The Biden administration is working to address these concerns by taking steps to lower costs in areas where possible. Yellen emphasizes the importance of addressing high prices and their impact on Americans' cost of living.
Today, WSJ’s Chief Economics Correspondent Nick Timiraos sat down with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen who said inflation is “meaningfully coming down” and the U.S. is on path to achieving a so-called soft landing.