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Public Pessimism Persists Despite Cooling Inflation

  • Inflation has come down but grocery bills are still high and many Americans fear losing jobs or a recession.

  • People became more pessimistic during the pandemic and sentiment hasn't recovered, despite signs of economic improvement.

  • The Fed seems encouraged by cooling inflation but isn't matching the public's economic pessimism.

  • Polls show people disapprove of Biden's economic handling and think conditions are poor, despite still spending money.

  • The Fed targets actual economic variables, not feelings, but needs to communicate effectively amid public pessimism.

washingtonpost.com
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