Trick or Treat: Is inflation scary enough for another Fed hike?

The latest inflation data may have investors, consumers, and policymakers asking whether another Federal Reserve rate hike is lurking around the corner. Kathy Bostjancic, Nationwide Chief Economist, and Ben Ayers, Senior Economist, break down the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report and what it reveals about the direction of inflation, interest rates, and the U.S. economy. The discussion explores whether rising energy prices are beginning to spill over into broader inflation, what persistent increases in diesel fuel costs could mean for transportation, food prices, and supply chains, and how businesses may respond as profit margins come under pressure. The team also examines the resilience of consumer spending, using Halloween shopping trends as a window into household behavior heading into the critical holiday shopping season. Whether you're an investor, business leader, financial professional, or simply trying to understand what's next for inflation and the economy, this episode offers timely analysis and practical perspective on the forces shaping today's economic environment. [NFM-22911AO]