Inflation And Supply Chain Strains Are Visible In These Datasets

(Bloomberg Markets) -- Prices are rising all over the world at a pace that hasn’t been seen in decades, and central banks have responded by lifting rates. Here, we provide a snapshot of global and US data that help explain what’s happening. The war in Ukraine, the pandemic, and supply chain stress are all playing a role.

Inflation Rates Are Rising Unevenly Around the World

Larger economies in Europe and the Americas, particularly Brazil, have seen a more dramatic upswing in consumer prices in the past few years than countries in Asia, where inflation gains in Japan and China have been muted.

The Costs of Food and Fuel Are Climbing

Prices of commodities have surged during the pandemic. Natural gas and coffee more than doubled in three years.

Chip Prices Have Eased

Elevated memory costs edged back from recent highs as demand waned.

Homes Are Expensive

Among the Group of Seven, house prices grew fastest in the US and Canada.

The US Is Saving Less

The share of income Americans sock away has fallen after a pandemic boost.

Opinions Are Diverging

A survey finds a widening gap in US inflation expectations, though it narrowed in July.

Supply Constraints Are Driving Inflation

A recent San Francisco Fed analysis said supply factors account for more than half of the current level of inflation, while demand explains only about a third. The latest readings suggest the US economy is entering a period of low growth and elevated inflation.

Warehouses Are Full

Industrial storage space is at a premium as consumers embrace e-commerce.

Strained Supply Chains

Supply chain stress is off its peak, but a return to pre-Covid norms may take time.

High Shipping Costs

Shipping container costs slumped in the first half of the year but remain high.

China Exports Are Up

Chinese exports reached their second-highest level after Covid rules were lifted.

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