Inflation Fear is Impacting the Markets

LikeFolio data shows that consumer fear and uncertainly about inflation has risen tremendously in 2021. Mentions expressing concern about inflation in the U.S. have risen to a new all-time high: +64% YoY on a 90-day moving average.

The mounting level of concern appears to well-founded in light of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index (CPI) report for April 2021, released this morning. The year-over-year increase in the price of consumer goods came in at 4.2%, up from just 2.6% in March -- This represents the largest YoY increase in the price of consumer goods since September 2008. The equity markets have sold off in response to the news, with the being NASDAQ the hardest hit.