Rising Inflation Expectations Put the Fed’s Credibility to the TUS Tech 100 Cash ($100) (NOT IN USE)IG:NASDAQmrifkidrn Rising Inflation Expectations Put the Fed in a Tight Corner The latest release of the U.S. Consumer Inflation Expectations came in hotter than anticipated, rising to 3.4% in September, compared with 3.2% previously and a 3.1% consensus. This seemingly small uptick carries significant weight. It suggests that American households increasingly believe inflation will stay elevated, posing a new challenge for the Federal Reserve, just weeks after its controversial decision to cut rates. For a central bank whose credibility hinges on anchoring inflation expectations, this is a warning sign. Rising expectations imply that monetary policy may already be too loose relative to price pressures, leaving the Fed with little room to maneuver between supporting growth and restraining inflation. What It Means for the Fed The Fed’s recent hawkish cut, a 25-basis-point reduction paired with strong rhetoric on price stability, was designed to balance two mandates: sustaining a slowing labor market and restoring confidence in inflation control. But this new data complicates that message. A move from 3.2% to 3.4% may seem modest, but it represents an unanchoring risk. Once inflation expectations drift upward, they tend to reinforce real inflation through wage negotiations, spending decisions, and business pricing. Historically, the Fed has treated such shifts as policy alarms, often responding with tighter stances or more cautious forward guidance. If expectations continue to rise, markets may start questioning whether the Fed’s current stance is adequate. Instead of debating “how soon” the next cut will come, investors may pivot toward “whether the Fed can cut at all” in the near term. Implications for U.S. Markets The reaction in financial markets could be twofold: Read full analysis on my website darrismanresearch com