World Perspectives

Higher Interest Rates to Stay

This week’s inflation reports have added some turbulence to the Federal Reserve’s approach to bringing the economy in for a soft landing.  The Fed started an unprecedented set of rate hikes to the federal funds rate in Q2 2022 that helped tame inflation through Q3 2024.  The economy entered Q4 2023 with signs that inflation had been squeezed out, only to see it reignite in late 2023 and carry through Q1 2024.  The March consumer price index (CPI) was up 0.4 percent month over month, the same as February, and up 3.5 percent on a year over year basis.  Core inflation – excluding food and energy, and the category that the Fed watches – was up 3.8 percent, still nearly double the Fed’s goal.&nb...

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From WPI Consulting

Weighing in on strategic realignment

WPI’s team was retained by the governing board of a U.S. industry organization to review a decision, reached by vote, to invest significant assets into the development and management of an export trading company. WPI’s team conducted a formal review of this decision and concluded that the current level of market saturation would limit the benefits of the investment. Based on WPI’s analysis and recommended actions, the board subsequently reversed its decision and undertook a strategic planning effort to identify more impactful investments. On behalf of numerous clients, WPI has not only assisted in identifying strategic paths but also advised their implementation.

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