Fed Officials Debate Future of Goods Price Declines Amid Inflation Fight

As the Federal Reserve approaches the end of its inflation-fighting efforts, a key question arises: will prices for goods continue to drop? Significant declines in prices for items like apparel and used cars helped reduce inflation faster than expected in late 2023, but the pace has slowed in early 2024, leading to higher inflation readings. Policymakers are divided on whether supply chains have fully recovered from pandemic and war disruptions. Fed Chair Jerome Powell is optimistic about further price reductions, while some colleagues remain doubtful.