Skanda Amarnath, executive director of Employ America, and Omair Sharif, founder of Inflation Insights, dive into the complexities of inflation measurement. They discuss why the Federal Reserve prefers the Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) index over the more commonly known Consumer Price Index (CPI). The episode explores how methodological differences can lead to varied inflation readings and the challenges economists face in gathering accurate consumer spending data. The conversation sheds light on the quirks of inflation metrics and their real-world implications.

Omair Sharif, founder of Inflation Insights and an expert in inflation data, unpacks the pressures of rent on inflation rates. He explains how consistent rent growth complicates Federal Reserve targets, while private surveys suggest possible easing. The conversation also dives into the complexities of measuring rent and healthcare costs, shedding light on impending changes that could significantly affect inflation dynamics. Sharif offers valuable insights into how various economic factors interconnect in shaping our financial landscape.

Omair Sharif, founder of Inflation Insights, brings his expertise to discuss the ripple effects of Hollywood's summer strikes on the broader economy. He explores how labor disputes affect employment and wage disparities, revealing the financial struggles of many actors. The conversation delves into the complexities of inflation metrics and the economic influence of high-profile events, highlighting the intertwined relationship between labor actions and consumer behavior. Sharif offers insights on the future of equitable compensation amid ongoing economic challenges.