Inflation Is Down but Don't Thank the Fed

This opinion piece from Paul A. London challenges the popular narrative crediting the Federal Reserve for the recent reduction in inflation. While inflation dropped from around 9 percent in mid-2022 to approximately 3 percent by January 2024, the article argues that this decline is largely due to factors outside the Fed’s control. Key contributors to this change include the resolution of COVID-related disruptions, such as the normalization of supply chains, the reduction in shipping and trucking costs, and the stabilization of gasoline prices. The article emphasizes that improvements in supply, rather than monetary policy, have been instrumental in moderating inflation. This viewpoint suggests that while the Fed’s role is often highlighted, the actual reasons for the decrease in inflation are more complex and rooted in the global economic recovery post-pandemic.