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Data that’s a double-edged sword: You might wonder: Is good news really “good”, and bad news really “bad”? Author Sam Ro takes a deep dive into a few of the latest headlines, particularly how they relate to inflation and what they might mean from either perspective. A few to note include:

📌 Stocks rally: This is undoubtedly a positive for investors, however, economic growth in excess is also one of the contributors to high inflation, meaning the Fed is more supportive of a bear market right now.

📌 Unemployment rate rises: While not a good sign for workers, a slack in the labor market is a positive for the Fed to help bring down inflation.

📌 Home prices rise: Homeowners are seeing higher value in their largest asset, but shelter cost is also a measure of inflation, sending those metrics up (in a negative direction) for the Fed.

📌 Sentiment plummets: This mindset can cause consumers to create a deteriorating economic environment, followed by a slowdown; However, it might also cause consumers to scale back spending, leading to relief in supply chain issues, and potentially, inflation.

Make note: Neither the stock market nor the economy follows a linear path. Both operate much more like a teeter totter, so you better be one that enjoys the playground.