All articles tagged with #inflation fears
Mortgage rates rose to 6.22% for the 30-year fixed, the highest in more than three months, as the US‑Iran conflict boosted energy prices and inflation concerns; the 10-year Treasury yield climbed and mortgage applications fell about 10%, signaling spring homebuying could cool.
Asia’s stock markets tumbled as surging oil prices raise inflation fears and threaten delayed rate cuts. The Kospi in Seoul dropped a record 12% in one day, with Japan’s Nikkei and TOPIX also down around 4%. Brent crude neared $84 and WTI traded above $76 as the Strait of Hormuz disruption tightens energy supply, signaling a potential weeks-long energy shock and higher-for-longer inflation that could slow growth and push policymakers to maintain tighter monetary conditions.
Crude oil prices plunged to a six-month low as traders reacted to inflation fears following the release of the consumer price index, which showed a 3.1% increase from November 2022 to November 2023. Additionally, disappointment over OPEC+'s voluntary production cuts, which were already agreed upon and do not represent additional cuts, further contributed to the decline. WTI traded at $68.27 per barrel, the lowest level since June, while Brent crude traded at $73 per barrel, also the lowest since June. Energy prices fell 2.3% in November, with gasoline and fuel oil experiencing significant drops.
US consumer sentiment has dropped for the fourth consecutive month in November, while inflation expectations have risen, according to the University of Michigan's consumer survey. Consumers anticipate inflation to accelerate to 4.5% over the next year and 3.2% over a five-year horizon, the highest level since 2011. Despite the recent slowdown in inflation, consumers remain concerned that it could reverse in the future. The burden of inflation is disproportionately affecting low-income Americans, who struggle to cope with rising prices for everyday necessities.
European markets were cautiously higher as investors awaited key U.S. inflation figures later in the week. UK wage growth hit a joint-record high, raising concerns about high inflation. The ZEW German economic sentiment indicator slid further into negative territory. Stocks on the move included Ocado, up 4%, and Dowlais Group, down 7%. The Bank of England may need to tighten monetary policy further to rein in core inflation. European stocks opened in positive territory, following gains in Wall Street and Asia-Pacific.