Inside the Economy: Domestic Consumer, the Potential U.S. Sovereign Fund, and Europe & Asia

This week on Inside the Economy, we discuss the current state of the domestic consumer in relation to inflation and interest rates, the potential for a U.S. Sovereign Wealth Fund, and Europe and Asia. The media has been buzzing about an increase in year-over-year inflation. Is this necessarily bad news, or is it an adjustment in the numbers? Which inflation data point saw the biggest increase? Additionally, the current administration has proposed the idea of a U.S. Sovereign Wealth Fund, with the goal of promoting fiscal sustainability. Could monetizing the U.S.’s majority stake in gold significantly aid in the creation of the fund? Across the globe, China has seen record investment outflows, alongside a minimal amount of inbound investment. Japan, once one of China’s top partners for direct investment, has shifted its focus. Who is Japan now prioritizing for direct investment? Tune in to learn more!

 

Key Takeaways:

• S. Core CPI at 3.3 (YOY)
• 30-year Mortgage at 6.87%
• The U.S. holds 8.1k metric tons of Gold as of Dec. 2024