U.S. consumers up view of inflation, spending in coming year, NY Fed survey finds

div classBodysc17zpet90 cdBBJodivpReuters – U.S. consumers boosted their expectations for inflation and household spending in the year ahead as the price of gas and food steepens, but tempered their view of inflation over the mediumterm, according to a survey released on Monday by the New York Federal Reserve. p

pExpectations for where inflation will be in one year rose to 6.6 in March, the highest since the survey was launched in 2013 and up from 6.0 in February. Household spending was seen growing 7.7 in the year ahead, also a series high. Just 23 saw their household finances improving in the year ahead, the smallest share since the survey began. pdivdivdiv classBodysc17zpet90 cdBBJodiv

pAmericans are experiencing the worst bout of inflation in decades, and it is getting worse: economists polled by Reuters expect a report out on Tuesday will show consumer prices rose 8.4 in March, up from 7.9 in February, as Russias invasion of Ukraine drives up food and energy prices. p

pTo combat 40yearhigh inflation, the Federal Reserve last month raised interest rates for the first time in three years and is expected to accelerate the pace of rate hikes in coming months. The New York Fed survey suggests consumer see little shortterm relief, as they anticipate the price of food, gas and medical care to rise 9.6, and expect rent to jump 10.2. Home prices were expected to rise 6 in the coming year, faster than the 5.7 expected last month.p

pBut Fed policymakers are also closely tracking fartherahead inflation expectations for signs that consumers see current price increases continuing. Monday‘s survey offered some comfort there: while nearterm inflation expectations have soared, consumers’ longerterm expectations have been less affected. p

pThe New York Feds monthly survey of consumer expectations is based on a rotating panel of 1,300 households.p

pConsumers expressed less optimism about the labor market than in February. The average perceived odds of losing ones job over the next year rose to 11.1 from 10.8, though it was still well below its prepandemic reading of 13.8. p

pUnemployment in March was 3.6, a pandemic low and only a hair above the prepandemic rate of 3.5. p