American consumers’ concerns about inflation have clearly intensified again. Inflation expectations for the coming year have risen to about 4.6%, the third-highest level in the past 12 months, and up 1.1 percentage points compared with the beginning of 2026. Meanwhile, about 30% of people voluntarily mentioned gasoline issues, while 37% mentioned tariffs—the latter reaching a new high since April.
I think what’s worth watching now is whether expectations will continue to move higher, because once people widely believe prices will keep rising, both consumer behavior and policy judgments will become more difficult.
Do you think this is just short-term sentiment, or is fresh inflation pressure really building up?
I think what’s worth watching now is whether expectations will continue to move higher, because once people widely believe prices will keep rising, both consumer behavior and policy judgments will become more difficult.
Do you think this is just short-term sentiment, or is fresh inflation pressure really building up?
