An article in The Conversation entitled "It’s not just high gas prices – inflation is now spreading through the US economy," explains that rising gas prices are only part of the inflation story. New federal data shows price increases are broadening across the U.S. economy, raising concerns for policymakers and businesses alike.
Dr. Brandy Hadley, associate professor of finance at Appalachian State University’s Walker College of Business, co-authored the article and is tracking these trends. Recent data shows the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index rose 3.8% year over year, with core PCE at 3.3%—signaling inflation beyond volatile energy costs.
Price pressures are now evident in housing, utilities, and consumer spending categories, while higher energy costs continue to ripple through transportation, food, and supply chains. These effects are reshaping household budgets and influencing how businesses make pricing and investment decisions amid uncertainty.
With inflation persisting even as parts of the economy cool, the Federal Reserve faces a complex challenge: balancing efforts to slow price growth without further weakening consumer demand. Dr. Hadley’s expertise highlights the central issue: inflation is no longer isolated to one sector but is increasingly embedded across the broader economy.
Read the full article at The Conversation.
Dr. Hadley is available to speak with news media or community groups. Contact her here.
Dr. Brandy Hadley
