Episode 1032: Wednesday - February 12, 2025

Mid-Week Market Insights: CPI Report & Federal Reserve Review - Feb 12

In this episode of Dividend Cafe, recorded on February 12th, host Brian Szytel covers the day's market activities influenced by the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report. The Dow dropped 225 points, the S&P was down by a quarter of a percent, while the Nasdaq saw a minor gain. The CPI numbers showed a monthly increase of 0.5%, higher than the expected 0.3%, marking a yearly CPI of 3%. The core CPI excluding food and energy also surpassed expectations. Energy and food prices along with the shelter component significantly impacted the CPI. Szytel discusses the Federal Reserve's ongoing efforts to manage inflation, noting the bond market's reaction and Fed Chairman Powell's testimony. The role of the Fed, particularly its expanded balance sheet since the Great Financial Crisis and COVID-19, is critiqued. Szytel concludes with a forward-looking perspective and invites viewers to tune in the next day for more updates.

00:00 Introduction and Market Overview 00:32 Inflation Report Breakdown 01:15 Impact on Energy and Food Prices 01:26 Shelter Component Analysis 02:05 Market Reactions and Predictions 03:21 Federal Reserve's Role and Actions 04:51 Conclusion and Sign Off

Links mentioned in this episode: DividendCafe.com

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