Inflation Explained with Fexingo: CPI, Prices, and the Cost of Living for Everyday People

Episode 99 of Inflation Explained with Fexingo. Gold is up more than two percent in the last five days, trading above $4,100 an ounce, while the ten-year breakeven inflation rate sits at 2.24 percent. Lucas and Luna dig into why these two signals are diverging—and what that might mean for how inflation really feels. They look at the mechanics of breakeven rates versus hard assets, the role of real yields and central bank buying, and whether CPI is missing something gold is catching. No abstract theory—just a clear breakdown of a gap that affects portfolio decisions right now, anchored to the July 7, 2026 market data. #Gold #CPI #Inflation #BreakevenInflation #RealYields #FederalReserve #InterestRates #PreciousMetals #PortfolioStrategy #CentralBanks #TenYearTreasury #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #InflationGap #GoldPrices #CostOfLiving #ListenerSupported Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 98 of Inflation Explained. Lucas and Luna dig into a strange divergence: the CPI is running at about 2.2 percent, but gold is up nearly 30 percent year-over-year and just crossed $4,139 an ounce. They explore what the commodity market is seeing that the consumer price index might be missing, from central bank buying to currency debasement fears to the limits of CPI's consumption basket. With the ten-year breakeven inflation rate at 2.24 percent and the labor force participation rate hitting a fifty-year low, they ask whether gold is simply a fear trade or a genuine inflation alarm. The episode uses the recent gold rally as a lens to question whether CPI understates real purchasing power erosion, especially for investors and savers. Fresh angle that avoids rehashing shelter, used cars, or rent gaps. #Gold #GoldPrices #CPI #Inflation #GoldRally #CentralBankGold #PortfolioHedging #RealAssets #GoldETF #GLD #Economics #InflationExplained #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Investing #PreciousMetals #MacroEconomics #MonetaryPolicy Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of Inflation Explained with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore a subtle but powerful form of inflation—service quality cuts. When companies shrink portion sizes, reduce cleaning frequency, or replace human workers with self-service kiosks, the price stays the same but you get less. Lucas breaks down how this 'hidden shrinkflation' in services like hotels, airlines, and restaurants isn't captured by CPI, which measures price changes for a fixed basket. With fresh data showing core CPI at 336.1 and a cooling job market, they discuss whether these invisible price increases are masking the true cost of living. The conversation ties in recent headlines on labor force participation and how companies are quietly adjusting quality rather than raising prices outright. #InflationExplained #Shrinkflation #ServiceQuality #CPI #CoreCPI #HiddenInflation #CostOfLiving #LaborForce #JobMarket #FedPolicy #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Podcast #ConsumerPrices #QualityInflation #SelfService #ServiceEconomy Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

CPI says rent is rising about 5 percent annually, but real market rents are climbing over 8 percent. Lucas and Luna dig into the Bureau of Labor Statistics' shelter methodology — specifically why owner's equivalent rent, a survey of what homeowners think they could charge, makes up nearly a quarter of CPI and systematically lags real-time data. They look at June 2026 market rent data from Apartment List and Zillow, compare it to the May CPI shelter print of 334, and explain why the Fed's favorite inflation gauge might be missing the biggest cost in most household budgets. If you've felt your rent go up more than the headlines say, this episode shows exactly where the gap comes from and why it's built into the math, not the conspiracy. #CPI #ShelterInflation #OwnersEquivalentRent #Rent #BureauOfLaborStatistics #ApartmentList #Zillow #FederalReserve #Inflation #Housing #EconomicData #CostOfLiving #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #InflationExplained #HousingCosts #Methodology Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode, Lucas and Luna examine the surprising divergence between cooling employment data and sticky inflation. With the June payrolls report showing just 57,000 new jobs and the unemployment rate ticking up to 4.2 percent, they ask: why isn't slower hiring translating into lower prices? They break down the labor force participation rate hitting a 50-year low outside of Covid, discuss how the Fed's rate decisions might respond, and explore what this means for everyday workers and investors. Specific numbers from the latest jobs report and CPI data ground the conversation in current reality. #Inflation #JobsReport #FederalReserve #LaborForceParticipation #Unemployment #Payrolls #CPI #InterestRates #EconomicData #JobMarket #WageGrowth #Stagflation #MonetaryPolicy #EmploymentTrends #Economics #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 94 of Inflation Explained with Fexingo. Lucas and Luna dig into the gap between CPI's used car and truck index and the real prices buyers face in July 2026. With the S&P 500 near 7,483, gold at $4,187, and silver surging 8% in a week, the hosts ask: why does CPI show used car prices falling when auction data and dealer lots tell a different story? They trace the problem to CPI's hedonic quality adjustment—a statistical method that tries to strip out improvements but often misses the mark. Luna brings a real example: a 2022 Toyota Camry that should be worth less according to CPI, but is actually selling for more than two years ago. They discuss how the Bureau of Labor Statistics accounts for features like backup cameras and lane-keeping assist, and why an older, less-equipped car may appear to have 'fallen' in price even as the cash you hand over rises. The episode closes with a practical takeaway for listeners shopping for a used car in this market. #Inflation #CPI #UsedCars #HedonicAdjustment #BureauOfLaborStatistics #ToyotaCamry #Gold #Silver #SP500 #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Economics #CostOfLiving #PriceIndex #QualityAdjustment #AuctionData #CarPrices #BLS Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In episode 93 of Inflation Explained, Lucas and Luna tackle a persistent frustration: why the official CPI says inflation is cooling at 2.3% while your actual expenses keep climbing. They unpack the Bureau of Labor Statistics' 'owners' equivalent rent' methodology — a survey that asks homeowners what they'd charge to rent their own place, rather than tracking real rents paid. With new data showing actual market rents rising 6.8% year-over-year versus CPI shelter at 4.1%, the gap is widening. Lucas explains how a 1990s decision to treat housing as an investment good, not a consumption good, created this disconnect. They also look at how the Fed's preferred PCE index weights different categories, and why your pizza delivery fee might be more honest than the government's numbers. If you've ever felt like the official inflation rate doesn't match your wallet, this episode explains why. #CPI #OwnersEquivalentRent #HousingInflation #BureauOfLaborStatistics #FederalReserve #PCE #ShelterCosts #RentVsOwnership #InflationMethodology #CostOfLiving #EconomicIndicators #RealWorldInflation #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Economics #InflationExplained #LucasAndLuna #ConsumerPrices Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

CPI says new-car prices rose 27% since 2020, but the average transaction price is up 34%. Lucas and Luna dig into the gap: why the government's methodology misses the cars people actually buy, how incentives and financing distort the numbers, and what that means for the Fed's inflation picture. They discuss the mix-shift problem—when buyers trade down to cheaper models, CPI sees disinflation even as the same car costs more—and why the used-car market is still a wild card. Tied to the latest CPI reading of 334.0 and a cooling labor market, this episode unpacks one of the sneakiest blind spots in inflation data. #CPI #CarInflation #NewCars #UsedCars #InflationData #FedPolicy #AutoIndustry #TransactionPrice #MixShift #HedonicAdjustment #LaborMarket #PCE #CostOfLiving #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Economics #InflationExplained #CarPrices Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode, Lucas and Luna break down a strange disconnect in the current economy: while the S&P 500 is sitting at 7,483 and the Fed's core PCE is running at 3.4 percent, the Fed funds rate is stuck at 3.63 percent. Consumers are seeing their cash savings earn barely 0.5 percent at big banks, while the stock market hits new highs. The hosts explain why banks don't pass along rate hikes to savers, how the gap between the Fed funds rate and deposit rates has widened since the 2008 crisis, and what that means for the 4.2 percent unemployment rate and the recent jobs report showing only 57,000 new payrolls. Drawing on data from the Fed's own research, they show how the 'deposit beta' has fallen, meaning banks are slower to raise savings rates even as borrowing costs climb. Tune in for a concrete look at why your cash isn't keeping up. #DepositBeta #FedFundsRate #CorePCE #S&P500 #SavingsAccount #Banks #InflationGap #MonetaryPolicy #PersonalFinance #CashVsStocks #EconomicIndicator #Unemployment #JobsReport #InterestRate #WealthInequality #ConsumerFinance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 90 of Inflation Explained with Fexingo. Lucas and Luna dig into a bizarre inflation anomaly: in June 2026, the CPI for food at home rose 2.8% year-over-year while food away from home rose just 1.5%. That means cooking a burger yourself is now more expensive than ordering one. They explore why — from falling commodity costs to labor market stickiness, and what it says about where inflation is hiding. Plus: the labor force participation rate hit a 50-year low, and how that reshapes the cost of prepared food. #Inflation #CPI #FoodPrices #RestaurantInflation #LaborMarket #ConsumerEconomics #CostOfLiving #SupplyChain #Commodities #FedPolicy #EconomicData #PriceAnomaly #TakeoutEconomics #LucasAndLuna #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #EconomicsExplained #InflationGap Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 89 of Inflation Explained with Fexingo: CPI, Prices, and the Cost of Living for Everyday People. Hosts Lucas and Luna dig into a disconnect that matters right now—why CPI shows inflation cooling while your paycheck seems to buy less every month. They anchor on the May 2026 CPI reading of 334.0 and the Fed's stubborn 3.63% rate, then zoom in on the labor market: Friday's jobs report showed only 57,000 new payrolls and a 4.2% unemployment rate, while the labor force participation rate hit a 50-year low outside the pandemic. Lucas walks through how CPI's composition—heavily weighted toward rent and owners' equivalent rent—understates what workers actually face when wage growth trails the cost of services they can't avoid. Luna brings up the phenomenon of 'wage stickiness' versus 'price stickiness' to explain why companies cut hours before cutting pay. They explore the real-world math: if your rent is up 8% and your raise was 4%, CPI's 2.7% core inflation number doesn't capture the squeeze. A grounded, number-rich episode for anyone who feels like the official data doesn't match their wallet. #CPI #Inflation #LaborMarket #WageGrowth #FederalReserve #Paycheck #CostOfLiving #Rent #OwnersEquivalentRent #JobsReport #Unemployment #ParticipationRate #RealEarnings #ServicesInflation #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #InflationExplained Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 88 of Inflation Explained looks at a quirk in how the Consumer Price Index tracks vehicle prices. The CPI data from May 2026 shows used car prices are finally falling, but new car prices are still climbing. Lucas and Luna break down the substitution bias in the CPI's methodology — how the index assumes consumers shift to cheaper options when prices rise, even when they can't. They cite real examples from the latest data: a 0.4% drop in used cars versus a 0.2% rise in new cars, and the 10-year breakeven inflation rate dipping to 2.23%. The episode explores why your actual car-buying experience may feel different from what the official numbers say. #InflationExplained #CPI #UsedCars #NewCars #SubstitutionBias #BureauOfLaborStatistics #VehicleInflation #CarPrices #CoreCPI #PCE #BreakevenInflation #FedPolicy #CostOfLiving #Economics #ConsumerPriceIndex #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Episode88 Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In episode 87 of Inflation Explained with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna dig into the disconnect between official CPI inflation and the prices consumers actually experience. They anchor the conversation on a specific number: the May 2026 CPI reading of 334.0, which shows a modest 0.5% monthly increase. But behind that headline, they explore why your personal inflation rate might be much higher — especially in categories like rent and insurance that CPI underweights. Lucas cites the latest core PCE reading of 130.1, the Fed's preferred gauge, which tells a different story. Luna brings up the ADP private payrolls miss of 98,000 in June, raising the question of whether a softening labor market will eventually cool sticky service prices. They discuss the 'inflation perception gap' and why your wallet and the data don't line up. Listeners get a clearer lens to interpret economic headlines. #CPI #Inflation #EconomicIndicators #PersonalFinance #CostOfLiving #Rent #Insurance #PCE #FederalReserve #ADP #LaborMarket #Economics #Business #Podcast #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #InflationGap #StickyPrices Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna dig into the surprising economics behind the delivery fee on your pizza order. By tracing the cost of a single large pepperoni pizza from 2019 to today, they show how labor shortages, minimum wage hikes, and shifting consumer behavior have quietly reshaped what you pay—and what the delivery driver actually keeps. Along the way, they connect this micro-example to the broader disconnect between CPI and real-world inflation, using the latest May CPI reading of 334.0 and the core PCE at 130.1 as anchors. You'll never look at a $3.99 delivery charge the same way. #PizzaEconomics #DeliveryFee #Inflation #CPI #CorePCE #LaborCosts #MinimumWage #ConsumerBehavior #FoodDelivery #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #CostOfLiving #HiddenInflation #ServiceFees #LucasAndLuna #PriceTracking #SupplyChain Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 85 of Inflation Explained with Fexingo digs into the gap between what landlords are charging and what the government's official rent index shows. Lucas breaks down the Bureau of Labor Statistics' tenant-based sampling method — which captures renewals, not new leases — and contrasts it with real-time Zillow data showing April 2026 asking rents jumped 6.8 percent year-over-year while CPI shelter rose just 4.2 percent. Luna shares her own experience of a 12 percent renewal hike in Austin, and the hosts explain why the Fed's preferred PCE index does even worse at capturing the shock. A concrete look at how measurement methodology shapes policy — and your rent check. #RentInflation #CPI #ShelterCosts #BureauOfLaborStatistics #Zillow #PCE #FederalReserve #LandlordPricing #NewLeaseRents #RenewalRentHike #MeasurementGap #InflationData #AustinHousing #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #InflationExplained #CostOfLiving Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 84 of Inflation Explained with Fexingo digs into a fresh inflation blind spot: the CPI's revamped used-car methodology. Lucas and Luna break down how the Bureau of Labor Statistics began weighting auction data differently in early 2026, and why that change may be masking the true price pain at dealerships. They anchor the conversation in the latest May CPI reading of 334.0, the 3.4% core PCE print, and the 10-year breakeven inflation at 2.22. The hosts walk through actual transaction data from Manheim's used-vehicle index, which shows prices rising 4.2% year-over-year in May, while the CPI's used-car component shows only 1.1% annual growth. They explore how the shift to a hybrid auction-survey model has introduced a lag that benefits the Fed's narrative but not the buyer's wallet. The episode is a case study in how measurement changes can distort our view of the economy — and why your trade-in might be worth more than the government says. #UsedCars #CPI #Inflation #BureauOfLaborStatistics #ManheimIndex #CorePCE #Fed #PriceMeasurement #CarPrices #MayCPI #BreakevenInflation #AuctionData #MethodologyChange #RealWorldInflation #CarMarket #EconomicIndicators #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 83 of Inflation Explained. Lucas and Luna dig into a persistent frustration for listeners: why their personal cost of living keeps rising faster than official CPI numbers suggest. The hosts anchor on the May 2026 core PCE reading of 3.4 percent — the highest since October 2023 — and contrast it with the CPI's 334.0 index level. They explore how the Bureau of Labor Statistics' 'owners' equivalent rent' methodology systematically understates housing costs for renters, using data from the latest PCE and CPI releases. Luna brings a real-world example: her own lease renewal in Austin, up 8 percent year-over-year, while OER shows just 4.5 percent. The conversation touches on why the Fed's preferred PCE gauge also misses certain out-of-pocket costs, and what that gap means for interest rate expectations. No jargon, just a clear breakdown of why the economy feels more expensive than the headlines admit. #Inflation #CPI #PCE #CorePCE #CostOfLiving #Rent #OwnersEquivalentRent #Fed #FederalReserve #Housing #RealEstate #Economics #Podcast #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LucasAndLuna #InflationExplained #PriceIndex Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 82 of Inflation Explained with Fexingo dives into the gap between the rent CPI reports and what tenants actually sign on leases. Lucas and Luna break down why the Bureau of Labor Statistics uses a methodology called Owners’ Equivalent Rent that lags real-time market rents by 12 to 18 months, and how that distorts the inflation picture for the 35 percent of households who rent. They anchor the conversation to the May 2026 CPI reading of 334.0 and the Core PCE hitting 3.4 percent, and explain why the Fed may be underestimating housing cost pressure. The episode uses a specific case: a landlord in Phoenix who raised rent 11 percent in June 2026, a number that won't appear in official CPI until 2027. Listeners learn one concrete number—the gap between BLS rent indexes and market-rate indexes like Zillow's Observed Rent Index—and why it matters for rate policy. #RentCPI #OwnersEquivalentRent #HousingInflation #FedPolicy #CorePCE #BLSMethodology #ZillowRentIndex #PhoenixHousing #InflationGap #TenantEconomics #CPI334 #InflationExplained #LucasAndLuna #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Economics #RentersCrisis #RateCuts Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 81 of Inflation Explained with Fexingo: CPI, Prices, and the Cost of Living for Everyday People. Lucas and Luna dig into why your rent check keeps climbing even as headline CPI for shelter shows only a 4.2% annual increase. They explain the BLS's 'imputed rent' methodology — how the CPI estimates what owners would pay themselves, not what tenants actually pay. Using fresh May 2026 CPI data (all items at 334.0, core at 336.1), they reveal a growing gap between market-rate rents (up 6.8% in major metros per Zillow) and CPI shelter inflation. They walk through the BLS sample rotation delays, the lag in capturing new leases, and why the Fed's favorite PCE gauge also understates rent pain. By the end, you'll understand why your rent feels nothing like the inflation number in the news — and what that means for your budget. #InflationExplainedWithFexingo #RentInflation #CPI #ShelterInflation #ImputedRent #CostOfLiving #Housing #FederalReserve #PCE #Zillow #BureauOfLaborStatistics #MarketRent #RealEstate #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Podcast #Inflation Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 80 of Inflation Explained with Fexingo: Why the Fed's preferred inflation gauge—core PCE—hit 3.4 percent in May 2026, its highest since October 2023. Lucas and Luna break down the gap between CPI and PCE, the stubborn services inflation from housing and insurance, and what it means for rate cuts. With the Fed Funds rate at 3.63 percent, the conversation explores how the central bank's favorite measure is flashing a different signal than headline CPI, and why that matters for your wallet. #CorePCE #Inflation #Fed #CPI #ServicesInflation #Housing #Insurance #RateCuts #MonetaryPolicy #May2026 #Economy #FOMC #PriceIndex #BureauOfEconomicAnalysis #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Economics #CostOfLiving Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

The Fed's preferred inflation measure, the core PCE price index, hit 3.4 percent in May 2026 — its highest since October 2023. Lucas and Luna dig into why this number matters more than CPI, how it's calculated differently, and what it means for the timing of rate cuts. They explore the role of services inflation, the divergence between PCE and CPI, and why the Fed is unlikely to cut rates before September even as the economy shows signs of cooling. A focused look at the one inflation number that actually guides policy. #CorePCE #Inflation #FederalReserve #RateCuts #MonetaryPolicy #Economics #PCEPriceIndex #ServicesInflation #CPI #InterestRates #FedPolicy #EconomicData #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #InflationExplained #CostOfLiving #Investing #Markets Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Rent is up 6.2% year-over-year while CPI shelter shows 4.8%. Lucas and Luna unpack the gap: how landlords are using 'market-rate resets' and 'amenity fees' to push effective rents far above official inflation measures. With the Fed's preferred PCE core hitting 3.4% in May 2026, this episode explains why your rent check tells a different story than the government's inflation data — and what it means for the next rate decision. #RentInflation #CPI #PCE #Fed #Housing #ShelterCosts #InflationGap #LandlordStrategy #MarketRateResets #AmenityFees #CostOfLiving #CoreInflation #RateCuts #Economics #HousingCrisis #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #InflationExplained Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In Episode 77 of Inflation Explained, Lucas and Luna examine why grocery store margins are climbing even as headline CPI moderates. With the latest PCE data showing core inflation at 3.4%, they unpack how companies like Kroger and Walmart are using 'margin recapture' — quietly raising prices faster than costs to recover profits lost during the pandemic supply-chain crunch. Lucas explains the difference between cost-push and profit-push inflation, and why the Fed can't easily target the latter. Luna questions whether this is a structural shift or a temporary lag. The episode includes a brief, sincere mention of listener support that keeps the show ad-free. #GroceryMargins #ProfitPushInflation #CPI #PCE #Kroger #Walmart #FoodPrices #Inflation2026 #CoreInflation #CostPush #MarginRecapture #EconomicData #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #InflationExplained #ConsumerPrices #GroceryBills Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Core PCE inflation hit 3.4% in May 2026, the highest since October 2023. Lucas and Luna break down why this matters more than CPI, how it complicates the Fed's rate-cut timeline, and what it means for your monthly budget. They look at the breakdown—services inflation staying hot, goods disinflation fading—and why the Fed's preferred metric is giving a different signal than the headline CPI number. Plus, a quick look at how rising energy costs from geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz are feeding into the inflation picture. If you've been confused why inflation headlines seem contradictory, this episode connects the dots. #PCE #CorePCE #Inflation #FederalReserve #RateCuts #ServicesInflation #GoodsDisinflation #CPI #FedFundsRate #EnergyPrices #StraitOfHormuz #Geopolitics #MonetaryPolicy #DeltaNeutral #FOMC #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of Inflation Explained, Lucas and Luna dig into the growing gap between official CPI shelter numbers and what renters actually pay. Using May 2026 data showing core CPI at 3.4%, they explain how the Bureau of Labor Statistics measures rent — and why the lag makes inflation feel worse than the headline number. They walk through the difference between new-lease rents and the CPI's 'stock' measure, why landlords are raising rents on existing tenants faster than before, and what this means for the Fed's rate path. A practical, eye-opening look at the single biggest component of consumer inflation. #CPI #ShelterInflation #RentHike #CoreCPI #InflationGap #BLS #RentIndex #NewLeaseRent #FedPolicy #InterestRates #CostOfLiving #HousingMarket #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LucasAndLuna #InflationExplained #May2026 Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of Inflation Explained, Lucas and Luna examine why electricity prices are climbing faster than the headline CPI. With the May 2026 CPI at 334.0 and core CPI at 336.1, the hosts drill down into the specific components driving utility inflation: rising natural gas costs, grid upgrade expenses, and the growing impact of data center demand. They connect this to the broader story of sticky services inflation that the Federal Reserve is watching closely, and consider whether the current rate environment—with the Fed Funds rate at 3.63%—is doing enough to cool these persistent price pressures. Using real numbers and concrete examples, they explain why a quiet but powerful driver of household costs is making the cost of living feel higher than official inflation numbers suggest. #Inflation #CPI #ElectricityPrices #EnergyCosts #UtilityBills #CoreInflation #FedPolicy #InterestRates #DataCenters #NaturalGas #GridUpgrades #CostOfLiving #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #InflationExplained #May2026CPI #ServicesInflation Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 73 of Inflation Explained with Fexingo digs into a puzzle: the CPI shows inflation cooling, but the average monthly car payment keeps rising. Lucas and Luna examine how higher interest rates, longer loan terms, and record negative equity are trapping borrowers. As of June 2026, the Fed funds rate sits at 3.63 percent, down only a fraction from its peak. Auto loan rates for new cars have pushed past 8.5 percent for the first time in decades, while used car prices have fallen 3 percent year-over-year according to the latest CPI data. Lucas breaks down the numbers: a $40,000 loan at 8.5 percent over 72 months means paying over $11,000 in interest alone. Luna connects it to the broader story of sticky services inflation—car loans are a monthly service cost that isn't cooling. They also touch on the hidden impact on subprime borrowers and why trade-ins aren't helping. No ads, just the real mechanics behind your monthly payment. #AutoLoans #CarPayments #Inflation #CPI #FederalReserve #InterestRates #NegativeEquity #SubprimeBorrowers #StickyInflation #AutoFinance #UsedCarPrices #LoanTerms #MonthlyPayment #CostOfLiving #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #InflationExplained Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 72 of Inflation Explained with Fexingo. Lucas and Luna examine why the price of a gym membership has risen nearly twice as fast as headline CPI over the past three years. They break down the specific cost drivers — commercial real estate leases, insurance liability premiums, and labor shortages for trainers — and explain why this feels different from the broad inflation numbers you hear about. Using the latest CPI data (May 2026: 334.0) and the core services inflation that the Fed is watching, they connect the dots between a $50 monthly bill and a structural shift in how service businesses price themselves. A concrete look at one service that keeps getting more expensive, and why it's not going to stop. #GymMembership #CPI #CoreServicesInflation #ServicesInflation #LiabilityInsurance #CommercialRealEstate #LaborShortages #FedPolicy #PersonalTrainers #PriceHikes #CostOfLiving #Inflation #Economics #FitnessIndustry #PlanetFitness #Gold-Gym #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of Inflation Explained with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna dig into why your homeowners and auto insurance premiums keep surging even as overall inflation cools. With the latest CPI data showing core inflation still sticky at 336.1, insurance costs are rising at double-digit rates — and the reasons go beyond simple supply and demand. Lucas breaks down the role of climate-driven catastrophe losses, rising reinsurance costs, and regulatory lag in states like Florida and California. Luna points out that insurers are now using AI to model risk in real-time, which could reshape pricing for years. They also connect the dots to the 10-year breakeven rate, which has dipped to 2.21%, suggesting the bond market sees insurance-driven inflation as a persistent but contained pressure. If you've wondered why your renewal letter keeps getting more expensive, this episode explains what's really driving those numbers. #Inflation #Insurance #HomeownersInsurance #AutoInsurance #CPI #CoreCPI #Reinsurance #ClimateRisk #Florida #California #ArtificialIntelligence #Underwriting #Premiums #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #CostOfLiving #FedPolicy Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Factory job cuts in June 2026 are nearing levels seen during the financial crisis and Covid, according to S&P. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore why a softening labor market in manufacturing doesn't mean deflation is coming. They break down the 'wage-price spiral' that runs in reverse, how service sector inflation stays sticky even as goods cool, and what the divergence between the S&P 500 and the small-cap Russell 2000 tells us about the economic crosscurrents. Using the latest CPI data and the 10-year breakeven rate at 2.23%, they argue that the Fed's 3.63% interest rate still isn't restrictive enough to tame the services side. A concrete look at why factory layoffs and rising streaming bills can coexist. #FactoryJobCuts #ManufacturingSlowdown #LaborMarket #Inflation #CPI #CoreServices #FederalReserve #InterestRates #SmallCaps #Russell2000 #SP500 #BreakevenRate #WagePriceSpiral #ServicesInflation #EconomicCrosscurrents #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #EconomicsShow Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna dive into shrinkflation: the practice where companies reduce package sizes instead of raising prices. They examine why the CPI data often misses this phenomenon, using real examples like cereal boxes shrinking from 20 ounces to 18 ounces while prices stay flat. They discuss how consumers can spot shrinkflation and what it means for measuring true inflation. Tying in the latest CPI reading of 334.0 for May 2026, they explore why the Fed's inflation target may be underestimating what families actually pay. A practical, eye-opening conversation for anyone who's noticed their groceries disappearing faster. #Shrinkflation #Inflation #CPI #ConsumerPrices #Economics #GroceryPrices #HiddenInflation #PackageShrink #FedPolicy #CostOfLiving #ConsumerAwareness #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #EconomicIndicators #PriceChanges #EverydayEconomics #LucasAndLuna #InflationExplained Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna dig into the May CPI report to show how your auto insurance premium is driving core services inflation. The CPI rose to 334.0, but it's the 336.1 core reading that has the Fed's attention. Using real data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, they explain why motor vehicle insurance is up over 20% year-over-year and how the CPI weights actually make it matter more than you think. They also connect this to the Fed's current dilemma: with core services inflation stubborn and the 10-year breakeven at 2.25%, rate cuts seem distant. A practical, data-driven look at one number that's quietly reshaping the inflation picture. #CPI #CoreServicesInflation #AutoInsurance #FedPolicy #Inflation #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #ConsumerPrices #BureauOfLaborStatistics #MayCPI #RateCuts #ServicesInflation #CostOfLiving #FOMC #InsuranceRates #PriceIndex #CoreCPI Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In Episode 67 of Inflation Explained with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna dig into why the Federal Reserve is now laser-focused on services inflation—things like haircuts, doctor visits, and concert tickets—while goods prices have stabilized. Using fresh May 2026 CPI data, they explain why core services inflation is stickier and what that means for rate cuts. They also break down the 10-year breakeven rate dropping to 2.25% and what that signals about market expectations. If you've been wondering why your rent, insurance, and streaming bills keep climbing even as grocery prices level off, this episode connects the dots. No jargon, just clear economics for everyday people. #InflationExplained #Economics #Inflation #FederalReserve #CPI #ServicesInflation #CoreServices #BreakevenRate #FedPolicy #LucasAndLuna #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #CostOfLiving #RentInflation #InsuranceCosts #StreamingPrices #May2026CPI #WarshFed Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 66 of Inflation Explained with Fexingo. Lucas and Luna dig into why homeowners insurance premiums are rising at triple the rate of overall inflation. With CPI at 334.0 and core inflation still sticky at 336.1, insurance costs are outpacing both. They explore how climate risk, reinsurance costs, and state regulations are combining to hit homeowners hard. Lucas points to the surprise 2025 wildfire losses and the 10-year breakeven rate falling to 2.25% as signals that insurers are pricing for a new normal. Luna brings data on how premiums in Florida and California have jumped 40% in two years. They ask: is your house becoming uninsurable? A practical look at one of the most painful inflation categories that official numbers understate. #HomeownersInsurance #Inflation #CPI #ClimateRisk #Reinsurance #PropertyInsurance #FloridaInsurance #CaliforniaInsurance #InsurancePremiums #CoreInflation #BreakevenRate #WildfireRisk #FloodRisk #InsuranceRegulation #CostOfLiving #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of Inflation Explained, Lucas and Luna dig into why the Fed's preferred core PCE inflation gauge is still running hot even as headline CPI has moderated. They examine the sticky services inflation—things like rent, insurance, and medical care—that the central bank can't seem to shake, and what it means for rate cuts in 2026. With the Fed funds rate at 3.63% and the 10-year breakeven inflation rate dipping to 2.25%, the hosts discuss whether the market is pricing in a pivot that the Fed isn't ready to deliver. Lucas points to specific data: Core CPI hit 336.1 in May, up from 335.42, while core PCE sits at 129.6. They explore why 'last mile' inflation is proving so stubborn and what that means for your wallet. #Inflation #FederalReserve #CoreCPI #CorePCE #StickyInflation #ServicesInflation #FedFundsRate #BreakevenRate #CPI #PCE #MonetaryPolicy #RateCuts #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #InflationExplained #LucasAndLuna #EconomicIndicators Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In Episode 64 of Inflation Explained, Lucas and Luna dig into the data point that has the new Fed chair, Kevin Warsh, boxed in: core services inflation, which excludes housing and energy, has barely budged even as headline CPI cools. They break down why the Fed's preferred PCE measure is stuck above its target, how the 10-year breakeven rate hints at market skepticism, and what this means for your paycheck and borrowing costs. Using the latest May 2026 CPI data and June FOMC context, they explain the one number that matters most and why it's keeping interest rates higher for longer. #KevinWarsh #FederalReserve #CoreServicesInflation #CPI #PCEPriceIndex #BreakevenRate #InterestRates #MonetaryPolicy #FOMC #June2026 #Inflation #Economics #Business #Finance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #InflationExplained #RateCuts Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 63 of Inflation Explained. Lucas and Luna look at a single inflation blind spot: child care. The Bureau of Labor Statistics measures market prices, but millions of families pay a nanny or a relative off the books—and that spending never reaches the CPI. The hosts walk through a real example: a family paying $2,400 a month for child care without a formal receipt, and how that distorts official inflation numbers. They connect it to May's all-items CPI reading of 334.0, and ask whether the 2.25 percent 10-year breakeven rate truly captures what families feel. A short, focused conversation about what gets counted and what doesn't. #ChildCareCosts #InflationBlindSpots #CPI #BureauOfLaborStatistics #CostOfLiving #FamilyBudget #ShadowEconomy #EconomicData #Underemployment #CareEconomy #FOMC #FedPolicy #PriceIndices #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #InflationExplained #Economics #PodcastEpisode Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of Inflation Explained with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna examine a strange disconnect in the auto market: used car prices are dropping for the first time in two years, yet auto loan rates and insurance premiums keep climbing. With the Fed funds rate still at 3.63 percent and CPI sitting at 334, Lucas uses the latest data to explain why falling wholesale values at Manheim auctions haven't translated into lower monthly payments for drivers. He breaks down how the interest rate environment, tightening lending standards, and repair-cost inflation are creating a squeeze that used-car deflation can't fix. Luna pushes back on whether the Fed's holding pattern is actually making things worse for borrowers. If you're confused by why 'prices are down' but your bill is up, this episode offers the math behind the frustration. #UsedCars #AutoLoans #CarInsurance #Inflation #Fed #InterestRates #CPI #Manheim #AutoMarket #CostOfLiving #CarPrices #LoanRates #Economics #InflationExplained #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #PersonalFinance #FedPolicy Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of Inflation Explained, Lucas and Luna examine why car insurance premiums are rising at triple the rate of overall inflation, even as core CPI shows signs of cooling. They break down the specific factors—repair costs, medical payouts, and reinsurance pricing—that create a sector-specific inflation loop the Fed can't touch. With the May CPI at 334.0 and the 10-year breakeven falling to 2.25 percent, they explore why this category behaves differently and what it signals about structural inflation in services. The hosts also discuss how state regulators and replacement-part shortages keep prices elevated, and why your premium might not fall even if overall inflation drops to two percent. A focused, data-rich conversation for anyone watching their household costs. #CarInsurance #Inflation #CPI #CoreCPI #AutoInsurance #InsuranceCosts #CostOfLiving #Reinsurance #SupplyChain #RepairCosts #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #InflationExplained #ConsumerPrices #ServicesInflation #FedPolicy #StateRegulation Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Streaming prices keep climbing even as headline inflation cools. In this episode, Lucas and Luna unpack the specific economics behind the steady price hikes on services like Netflix, Disney+, and Spotify. They explain how licensing costs, content debt, and the shift from subscriber growth to profit extraction are driving the trend. Lucas points to the recent 10-year breakeven rate falling to 2.26 percent—suggesting markets see lower inflation ahead—yet streaming bills tell a different story. They examine why the consumer price index's 'subscription services' component is rising faster than the overall basket, and what that means for your monthly budget. This is episode 60 of Inflation Explained, recorded June 18, 2026. #InflationExplained #StreamingPrices #Netflix #DisneyPlus #Spotify #SubscriptionCosts #CPI #CoreInflation #BreakevenRate #ContentDebt #ConsumerSpending #MediaEconomics #Economics #BusinessPodcast #FexingoBusiness #CostOfLiving #Entertainment #PodcastEpisode Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In Episode 59 of Inflation Explained, Lucas and Luna break down why the Fed under new Chair Kevin Warsh is focusing on headline inflation while core services CPI is still running hot at 4.2%. They unpack the split between falling goods prices and sticky services costs, what the 10-year breakeven rate of 2.26% signals, and how this disconnect could hit your rent and insurance bills. Using May's CPI data and the latest FOMC meeting, they explain the strategic choice to look through services inflation and what it means for your budget. A sharp, 10-minute dissection of why the central bank's single number doesn't tell the full story. #Inflation #CoreCPI #Fed #KevinWarsh #ServicesInflation #FOMC #CPI #10YearBreakeven #Rent #AutoInsurance #MonetaryPolicy #CentralBank #May2026CPI #InflationOutlook #ConsumerPrices #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 58 of Inflation Explained with Fexingo. Lucas and Luna dig into why gold mining stocks are surging even as inflation cools. With gold at $4,383 and the GDX up 15% in a week, they explore how miners benefit from both higher gold prices and falling input costs. They discuss the signal from the 10-year breakeven rate dropping to 2.29, the divergence between gold and inflation expectations, and what it means for your portfolio. A focused look at the mechanics behind gold miners' unusual outperformance in mid-2026. #Gold #GoldMiners #GDX #Inflation #GoldPrice #BreakevenRate #FederalReserve #MiningStocks #Commodities #PreciousMetals #Investing #PortfolioStrategy #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #InflationExplained #CPI #MarketDivergence Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna dig into the 10-year breakeven inflation rate, which has dropped to 2.29 percent even as CPI remains stubbornly above 4 percent. They explain what this bond-market signal really means for your wallet and whether it's a reliable forecast or a misleading indicator. Drawing on the latest data from June 2026, they explore why the breakeven rate has diverged from headline inflation and what that says about market expectations for the coming year. If you've heard the term 'breakeven inflation' in the news but weren't sure how it works, this episode breaks it down with a concrete example using TIPS and nominal Treasury yields. Plus, Lucas and Luna share why keeping this show ad-free matters to them and how listeners can support that choice. #Inflation #BreakevenRate #TIPS #TreasuryYields #CPI #CoreCPI #FederalReserve #BondMarket #MarketExpectations #EconomicIndicators #RealRates #10YearBreakeven #June2026 #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Economics #InflationExplained #CostOfLiving Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Inflation is still running hot at 4.2 percent annually, but core measures are starting to soften. Yet gold, the classic inflation hedge, has rallied more than 6 percent in just the last five trading days, hitting a fresh high near $4,355 an ounce. Lucas and Luna dig into the disconnect: why investors are piling into the metal even as the Fed holds rates steady and the ten-year breakeven rate barely budges. They trace the action from the gold ETF, GLD, up 6 percent in a week, to the miners in GDX, which have surged an eye-popping 17.7 percent. The real driver, they argue, isn't today's CPI print, but what the ECB's surprise rate hike and the UK's shrinking GDP signal about global instability. A clear-eyed look at what gold is actually pricing in right now. #Gold #Inflation #CPI #GDX #GLD #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Economics #PreciousMetals #Fed #ECB #RateHikes #Geopolitics #IranConflict #UKEconomy #GoldMiners #InflationHedge #MarketDisconnect Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of Inflation Explained, Lucas and Luna break down why auto insurance premiums are rising at their fastest pace in decades, even as headline CPI shows some cooling. They explore how repair costs, supply chains, and risk modeling are driving the surge, and what it means for your budget. With car repair inflation running at 8.2% year-over-year and insurers losing money on every policy, the hosts explain why this isn't a temporary blip—it's a structural shift. They also touch on the broader implications for inflation measurement and the Fed's decisions, using the latest CPI data from May 2026. This is a must-listen for anyone wondering why their car insurance bill keeps climbing. #AutoInsurance #CPI #Inflation #SupplyChain #LucasAndLuna #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Economics #CostOfLiving #InsurancePremiums #CarRepair #RiskModeling #MayCPI #InflationSignal #FedPolicy #ConsumerPrices #CoreCPI #Underwriting Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna dig into the latest CPI data, specifically the May 2026 headline of 4.2 percent annual inflation, and explain why shelter costs are the biggest reason core inflation remains sticky. They break down how the Bureau of Labor Statistics calculates owner's equivalent rent, why that lagging indicator may be masking real-time rent declines, and what it means for the Fed's next move. With the ten-year breakeven rate at 2.31 percent and the effective federal funds rate at 3.63 percent, they explore whether the official numbers are telling the full story of what households actually pay. A timely look at the gap between the data and daily life. #CPI #Inflation #ShelterCosts #OwnerEquivalentRent #FederalReserve #CoreInflation #Rent #Housing #EconomicData #BreakevenRate #FedFundsRate #May2026 #LaborStatistics #HousingMarket #Podcast #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Economics Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna break down why internet bills are rising faster than official CPI inflation measures, drawing on May's 4.2% CPI print and new FCC data on broadband pricing. They compare the trend to other sticky services like auto insurance and rent, and explain what it means for your budget and for the Fed's fight against inflation. Episode 53 of Inflation Explained with Fexingo. #InflationExplained #InternetBill #CPI #Broadband #FCC #StickyInflation #ServicesInflation #Fed #MonetaryPolicy #MayCPI #LucasAndLuna #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Economics #CostOfLiving #CoreCPI #InflationSignals #ConsumerPrices Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of Inflation Explained with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna dive into an overlooked corner of the CPI: internet and cable bills. With May's CPI hitting 4.2%, most attention is on food and energy, but communication costs have been quietly rising at a pace not seen in years. Lucas breaks down how broadband pricing has shifted from steady deflation to 3% annual increases, driven by infrastructure buildout costs and consolidation among providers. They discuss what this means for household budgets, why the official CPI may understate the real hit, and how the recent FCC policy changes factor in. If you've noticed your monthly bill creeping up, this episode explains why—and what it signals about broader inflation trends. #Inflation #CPI #InternetBills #Broadband #Cable #FCC #Telecom #ConsumerPrices #CostOfLiving #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #InflationExplained #MayCPI #CommunicationCosts #Infrastructure #Consolidation #HouseholdBudget Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

New CPI data shows shelter inflation still running hot at 5.2% annually, even as headline CPI hit 4.2% in May 2026. Lucas and Luna break down why the government's 'owners' equivalent rent' calculation — which estimates what homeowners would pay to rent their own home — is the single biggest factor keeping core inflation elevated. They walk through how a hypothetical $2,000 apartment gets split into actual rent and imputed rent, and why this matters for Fed policy. Along the way, they discuss the recent jump in the 10-year breakeven inflation rate to 2.31%, and what it signals about market expectations. If you've ever wondered why your rent keeps rising but official inflation numbers seem disconnected, this episode connects the dots with a concrete example. #Inflation #CPI #ShelterInflation #OwnersEquivalentRent #Rent #FedPolicy #CoreCPI #BreakevenInflation #Economics #CostOfLiving #Housing #MayCPI #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LucasAndLuna #InflationExplained #PriceIndex #MonetaryPolicy Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In episode 50 of Inflation Explained with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna unpack a gap many shoppers feel but can't quite name: restaurant prices have been climbing nearly twice as fast as grocery prices since 2023. Using fresh May 2026 CPI data — where food-away-from-home hit 6.8% annual growth versus food-at-home at 3.5% — they trace the divergence to labor costs, commercial real estate leases, and the post-pandemic 'experience economy' premium. Lucas explains why a $16 chopped salad now costs $19, and Luna points out a less obvious force: the $15.54 minimum wage in California's fast-food sector is rippling into pricing nationwide. They also touch on the ECB's rate hike this week and what it means for imported ingredients. It's a tight, conversational dive into one slice of the inflation picture — no forecasts, no jargon, just clear cause and effect. #RestaurantInflation #GroceryVsDiningOut #CPI #FoodAwayFromHome #FoodAtHome #LaborCosts #CommercialRealEstate #ExperienceEconomy #MinimumWage #CaliforniaFastFood #ECB #InterestRates #May2026CPI #InflationExplained #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Economics #CostOfLiving Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo