Inflation

• Australia raises rates for first time since late 2023 as inflation hits six-quarter high - This comes as the country sees its highest level of inflation in six quarters.
• Japan inflation cools to 2.1%, lowest since March 2022, but rice prices loom large ahead of election - Core inflation touched its lowest level since October 2024, and was in line with expectations
• Fed's main gauge shows inflation at 2.8% in November, edging further away from target - Inflation drifted slightly further from the Federal Reserve's target in November though in line with expectations.
• Wholesale inflation was softer than expected, retail sales moved higher in November - Wholesale prices moved up less than expected while consumers kept up a heavy buying pace, according to economic data Wednesday.
• December core consumer prices rose at a 2.6% annual rate, less than expected - EconomyDecember core consumer prices rose at a 2.6% annual rate, less than expectedPublished Tue, Jan 13 20268:31 AM ESTUpdated 3 Min AgoJeff Cox@jeff.cox.7528@
• Euro zone inflation hits 2% in December, in line with forecasts - Euro zone inflation stood at 2% in December, flash data from Eurostat showed on Wednesday.
• From farm to table, high beef prices squeeze margins. How our steakhouse stock is balancing costs - Beef costs are still pressuring portfolio name Texas Roadhouse and leading to shakeups at other industry players.
• Holiday retail spending rose 4.2% this season, driven by e-commerce and electronics: Visa report - U.S. holiday retail spending rose 4.2% as consumers spent more on tech and apparel, with online sales jumping 7.8%, Visa data shows, despite higher prices.
• 2 Retirement Risks Affluent Americans Often Overlook - Even wealthy retirees face two major risks: inflation and healthcare costs. Here’s how to plan ahead.
• What the Christmas movie ‘Elf’ can teach us about today's cost of living - To live like the New York-based family in the movie "Elf" today, it would take millions. Here are the biggest financial lessons from the film.