What's the opposite of inflation? Deflation, and that's exactly what happened in December, according to the latest consumer price index (CPI). Prices fell 0.1 percent last month, bringing the year-over-year rate to 6.5 percent, down from a peak of 9.1 percent last June.
Here are the highlights:
Energy contributed the biggest share to the decline, with prices falling 4.5 percent. Under that category, fuel oil saw the biggest drop, falling 16.6 percent.
After energy, automobiles saw the most deflation in December. The price of new vehicles fell 0.1 percent, and the price of used vehicles fell 2.5 percent.
Food prices, meanwhile, ticked up 0.3 percent. That's the smallest increase in the last six months. Shelter costs also jumped a sizable 0.8 percent, up from 0.6 percent in November.
The report comes as a debate rages over whether the U.S. economy can achieve a so-called landing after several large rate hikes from the Federal Reserve. While the central bank has signaled moderation, any shift in the inflation narrative could change its tone.
Markets expected and had priced in the CPI drop, however, so it's possible stocks won't move drastically in response to the data. Futures rose slightly after the release.
Adam Turnquist, Chief Cross-Asset Strategist at LPL Financial, breaks down why stocks remain near records despite higher oil prices, rates and Fed tightening.
Ryan Louvar, Chief Policy Officer and Head of Business and Legal Affairs, Digital Assets at WisdomTree, breaks down the CLARITY Act and crypto’s next phase.
KFC U.S. President Catherine Tan-Gillespie breaks down Open House, the new hospitality-first concept meant to reinvent the Colonel for today's consumers.
New Crunch Fitness CEO Chequan Lewis discusses Crunch 3.0, blending boutique fitness, recovery wellness and digital training into an accessible gym model.
