Welcome to the show. This episode takes a closer look at the latest economic data, which paints a nuanced picture of inflation, consumer behavior, and market expectations as the year draws to a close.

New figures show that wholesale inflation cooled more than expected in November, with the producer price index rising by just 0.2 percent. This slower pace at the supplier level suggests that some of the intense price pressures seen earlier have begun to ease. While energy costs contributed to a modest increase in goods prices, service-sector costs remained largely stable, helping keep overall inflation in check.

At the same time, consumer demand showed no signs of slowing. Retail sales rose by a strong 0.6 percent, well above economist forecasts, indicating that households continued to spend confidently through the holiday season. This resilience highlights a key tension in the current economy: inflation is moderating, but demand remains robust.

Annual inflation is still running slightly above the Federal Reserve’s long-term target, yet the combination of cooling wholesale prices and steady service costs has reassured investors. Financial markets responded calmly to the data, with expectations solidifying that interest rates are likely to remain unchanged in the near term.

Thank you for listening. This snapshot of the economy reveals a delicate balance—strong consumer spending alongside gradually easing price pressures—suggesting a soft landing remains possible, even as policymakers and markets continue to watch inflation trends closely.

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