US inflation expectations rise, employment outlook worsens, potentially hindering the Federal Reserve's rate adjustment this month

On January 9, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s monthly survey, U.S. inflation expectations for December increased, while perceptions of job opportunities remained at the lowest level in at least 12.5 years. The report states that consumers expect prices to rise by 3.4% over the next year, up from 3.2% in November. Consumers’ estimated probability of finding a new job after unemployment dropped to 43.1%, the lowest since the bank began conducting consumer expectation surveys in mid-2013. These data highlight the divergence among Federal Reserve officials between those more concerned about inflation and those who believe the risk of rising unemployment is greater. This gap is likely to hinder the Fed from adjusting interest rates at its upcoming policy meeting later this month. (Jin10)