What's the opposite of inflation? Deflation, and that's exactly what happened in December, according to the latest consumer price index (CPI). Prices fell 0.1 percent last month, bringing the year-over-year rate to 6.5 percent, down from a peak of 9.1 percent last June.
Here are the highlights:
Energy contributed the biggest share to the decline, with prices falling 4.5 percent. Under that category, fuel oil saw the biggest drop, falling 16.6 percent.
After energy, automobiles saw the most deflation in December. The price of new vehicles fell 0.1 percent, and the price of used vehicles fell 2.5 percent.
Food prices, meanwhile, ticked up 0.3 percent. That's the smallest increase in the last six months. Shelter costs also jumped a sizable 0.8 percent, up from 0.6 percent in November.
The report comes as a debate rages over whether the U.S. economy can achieve a so-called landing after several large rate hikes from the Federal Reserve. While the central bank has signaled moderation, any shift in the inflation narrative could change its tone.
Markets expected and had priced in the CPI drop, however, so it's possible stocks won't move drastically in response to the data. Futures rose slightly after the release.
Seth Goldstein, Senior Equity Analyst and Chair of the Electric Vehicle Committee at Morningstar, breaks down the robotaxi race and EV adoption trends.
Andrew Rush, CEO of Star Catcher Industries, joins us to discuss how wireless power transmission could reshape satellite technology and space communications.
A historic wave of IPOs is about to hit Wall Street. For the average investor watching from the sidelines, the frenzy can engender fears of missing out.
Applied Aerospace & Defense CEO Trip Ferguson discusses the company's IPO, defense spending, space innovation, and the future of U.S. aerospace manufacturing.
