Category Archives: Inflation

Federal Reserve launches a ‘sea change’ of uncertainty

By David Enna, Tipswatch.com We’ve entered a new era. That’s what Bloomberg’s ever-thoughtful Tom Keene repeated over and over in Wednesday’s coverage of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate forecasts. “This is a sea change,” he said. “I have to emphasize … Continue reading

Posted in Cash alternatives, Federal Reserve, Inflation, Investing in TIPS, Treasury Bills | 27 Comments

U.S. inflation rose 0.1% in November, at bit higher than expected

TIPS principal balances will fall 0.2% in January, based on non-seasonally adjusted inflation. By David Enna, Tipswatch.com Costs of shelter continued rising in November, offsetting declines in gas prices, resulting in seasonally-adjusted all-items inflation of 0.1% for the month, the … Continue reading

Posted in Federal Reserve, I Bond, Inflation, Investing in TIPS | 11 Comments

Real yields are sliding lower with talk of a ‘Fed pivot’

By David Enna, Tipswatch.com You can’t watch CNBC for more than 10 minutes without hearing some analyst predict the Federal Reserve will begin cutting interest rates in March 2024 … or May … or certainly by June. On the other … Continue reading

Posted in Federal Reserve, I Bond, Inflation, Investing in TIPS, Retirement, Savings Bond | 27 Comments

Medicare costs for 2024 are rising faster than U.S. inflation

Part B costs, deductibles and IRMAA surcharges will increase about 6% next year. By David Enna, Tipswatch.com Less than a month ago, U.S. retirees collecting Social Security learned their benefits will be increasing 3.2% beginning in January. That was the … Continue reading

Posted in Inflation, Medicare, Retirement, Social Security | 32 Comments

Random thoughts on I Bonds in 2023, 2024

I Bonds remain attractive, but when and why? By David Enna, Tipswatch.com The I Bond’s new fixed rate of 1.3% — the highest in 16+ years — and the resulting composite rate of 5.27% should be creating a lot of … Continue reading

Posted in I Bond, Inflation, Investing in TIPS, Retirement, Savings Bond, Treasury Bills, TreasuryDirect | 51 Comments