So let's deal with our key problem areas.The central bank has pushed its federal funds rate to 5.25% to 5.5%. It left the rate alone in September and suggested it might raise rates once more this year. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell and others at the Fed insist the central bank will get U.S. inflation down to 2% from its current 3.7% level and 7%-plus in 2021. Wall Street thinks rate increases are largely done.
6% from September 18's peak of $3.881 per gallon to $3.823. It fact, the AAA price ended September down about 0.1%. The trend seems real until next summer when prices go up.The autoworkers want payback from having to give up wages and benefits at the 2008-2009 financial crisis. Rhetoric Friday after the union struck more plants suggested the stoppages will go on for a while. These will affect communities with auto plants from Missouri to upstate New York.This is a wild card.