Consumer Fears Over Inflation Hit A Record High In March, New York Fed Survey Shows

• Worries are increasing over inflation, with new Federal Reserve data showing a record-high fear over surging prices. Consumers now see inflation hitting 6.6% over the next year, according to the New York Fed’s survey in March, released Monday. That’s a 10% increase in the median expectation just over the past month and the highest level in a series that dates to 2013. 
• The survey showed that median expectations over a three-year span actually decreased by 0.1 percentage point to 3.7%, largely due to a declining outlook from those with annual household incomes below $50,000. However, uncertainty about inflation over both the one- and three-year spans showed record highs. Household spending expectations rose sharply, climbing 1.3 percentage points to 7.7%, also a new series high. 
• The data comes a day before the release of the March consumer price index, which is expected to show prices rising at an 8.4% pace over the past 12 months, according to Dow Jones estimates. If that forecast is accurate, it would be the highest number since December 1981. 
• To fight inflation, the Fed last month approved its first interest rate hike in more than three years. Additional increases are expected throughout the year as inflation runs well above the central bank’s longstanding target of 2%.

(Source: CNBC News)