Episodes
Why Your Rent Is Falling While House Prices Keep Climbing
In this episode, Lucas and Luna dig into a paradox that's been shaping the housing market in 2026: rents are cooling, even falling in some cities, while house prices keep setting records. They explain the structural forces behind the split—from a record wave of multifamily construction to the lock-in effect that's keeping existing homeowners from selling. They also look at what the latest CPI and PCE data say about shelter inflation, and why the Fed's preferred measures are pointing in opposite…
Why Your Rent Is Falling While House Prices Keep Climbing
In this episode of Inflation Explained, Lucas and Luna dig into a puzzle that's been confusing homeowners and renters alike: rents are finally cooling, but home prices keep setting records. They break down the latest CPI and PCE data, explain the 'stickiness' of shelter costs, and look at what the $40 trillion national debt and the Treasury's bond buyback gambit mean for your monthly housing bill. With concrete numbers and relatable examples, they answer the question on everyone's mind: will…
Why Your Streaming Bundles Are Cheaper While CPI Stays Sticky
In this episode of Inflation Explained, Lucas and Luna dig into a puzzle that's been popping up in listener questions: why do streaming bundles keep getting cheaper while overall inflation stays stubbornly above target? They start with the latest CPI print from July, which ticked up to 332.8, and core CPI at 336.8, and contrast that with the aggressive bundling wars among media giants. Lucas walks through the economics of scale in content distribution, the shift from subscriber growth to…
Why Grocery Prices Stay High as Inflation Cools
Inflation is cooling across the economy, but grocery prices remain stubbornly high. In this episode, Lucas and Luna dig into the gap between headline CPI and the real-world cost of food, using the latest data from July 2026 to explain why staples like eggs, bread, and produce still strain household budgets. They look at the producer price index for food, the role of transportation and labor costs, and why big retailers are hesitant to cut prices even when input costs fall. With the consumer…
Why Your Hometown Hotel Rates Are Sticking at Pandemic Highs
In this episode of Inflation Explained, Lucas and Luna drill into a puzzle that doesn't show up in the national CPI: hotel rates in smaller cities and mid-sized metros have refused to come down, even as big-city hotel prices cool and overall inflation eases. They unpack the structural forces keeping those rates sticky — the shift to remote work, the boom in 'work-from-anywhere' travelers, the tight labor market for housekeeping staff, and the wave of hotel conversions into apartments. Using…
Why Your Digital News Subscription Keeps Getting Pricier
Even as overall inflation cools, the price of digital news subscriptions keeps climbing. In this episode, Lucas and Luna unpack why media companies are raising prices more aggressively than ever, from The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal to the local paper. They discuss the shift from ad-supported to reader-supported business models, the economics of subscriber retention, and how price increases are outpacing broader inflation. With the latest CPI data showing July inflation subdued…
Why Your Coffee Costs More Even as Inflation Cools
Inflation is cooling, but your morning latte keeps getting pricier. In this episode, Lucas and Luna dig into the surprising economics behind coffee prices — from extreme weather in Brazil to shipping disruptions and the growing global appetite for premium beans. They break down why the price you pay at the counter doesn't track CPI, and what it means for your budget. Expect concrete numbers on how bean prices have moved, how roasters and cafes pass costs along, and why the coffee market is a…
Why Your Grocery Bill Feels High Even as Inflation Cools
CPI slowed to 2.9 percent in July, but grocery prices remain stubbornly high. In this episode, Lucas and Luna dig into why the basket of goods the government tracks doesn't match what you actually buy. They look at the gap between headline inflation and the 'food at home' index, how restaurant prices are climbing faster, and why the recent lettuce plunge won't fix your overall bill. They also touch on what the Fed's preferred core PCE measure means for your wallet, and how the war in Iran could…
How the Fed's Battle With Inflation Is Now a Two Front War
Lucas and Luna dig into why wholesale prices staying flat in July, despite a hot CPI print, reveals a growing disconnect between goods and services inflation. They explain how the Fed's new dual-track approach—watching both CPI and PCE—along with sticky services costs and falling goods prices, is reshaping what your wallet feels. With the breakeven rate creeping up to 2.27 percent, bond markets are starting to price in more inflation risk. Tune in to understand how this two-front war affects…
How a New Inflation Measure Might Change Your Paycheck
In Episode 160 of Inflation Explained with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna unpack a quiet but significant shift in how the government measures inflation—and how that could affect cost-of-living adjustments for Social Security, federal pensions, and even your next raise. They dive into the July CPI report, where headline inflation ticked up to 332.8 while core inflation hit 336.8, and explain why the chained CPI, which accounts for how consumers change their shopping habits when prices rise, produces a…
Why Your Car Insurance Keeps Climbing While CPI Cools
In this episode, Lucas and Luna dig into a stubborn puzzle: overall inflation is cooling, yet car insurance premiums keep climbing. They break down why insurance costs are up over 20 percent year-over-year, how state regulators and repair costs play a role, and what it means for your monthly budget. They also connect it to recent CPI data, wholesale price trends, and the Fed's preferred inflation measures. If you've ever wondered why your auto policy renewal stings, this episode explains the…
Why Lettuce Prices Plunged While Grocery Bills Stay High
In this episode, Lucas and Luna dig into a striking anomaly in the latest inflation data: while overall CPI ticked up slightly in July, wholesale prices were flat, and lettuce prices saw a record-setting plunge. They explore what's behind the cyclospora-driven crash in lettuce demand, why that hasn't translated into lower grocery bills for most families, and what it says about how food prices are set. They also connect the story to broader trends in services inflation, the Fed's cautious…
Why the Fed Watches Supercore Inflation So Closely
In this episode of Inflation Explained, Lucas and Luna dig into the Fed's favorite inflation gauge: supercore services inflation. With July CPI out and the annual rate at 3.4 percent, they explain why the Fed is less worried about headline numbers and more focused on a narrow slice that excludes food, energy, and housing. They walk through what's in the supercore basket—things like medical care, transportation, and recreation—and why it stays sticky even when overall inflation cools. They also…
Why Your Rent Is Falling While House Prices Keep Climbing
In this episode, Lucas and Luna dig into a puzzle that's been quietly reshaping the economy: rents are falling, yet house prices keep climbing. Using the latest CPI data from June 2026, they explain why the rent component — which makes up a third of the inflation index — is finally cooling, and why that hasn't stopped home prices from hitting new highs. They break down the divergence between the owners' equivalent rent measure and actual market rents, and explore what it means for renters…
How the Fed's New Inflation Measure Changes Your Wallet
In this episode of Inflation Explained, Lucas and Luna unpack the Fed's updated inflation framework — what it means for your everyday costs, from groceries to rent, and why the central bank is now looking at a broader set of price signals. They start with the latest data: the CPI index dipped to 332.6 in June from 333.98, but core PCE inched up, and the ten-year breakeven rate sits at 2.25 percent. They walk through a concrete example: how a 4.5 percent rise in your supermarket basket feels…
The July Jobs Miss and What It Means for Your Wallet
The July jobs report landed with a thud: the US economy lost 23,000 jobs, and private payrolls added just 44,000. In this episode of Inflation Explained, Lucas and Luna cut through the noise to ask what a cooling labor market actually means for everyday prices. They look at why gold is surging 7.4% in a week while core inflation stays stubbornly flat, and what the disconnect between job numbers and price data says about the economy's next move. If you've wondered whether a weaker jobs market…
Why Gold Rallies While CPI Cools
Gold is up over seven percent in five days, yet consumer prices are falling. Lucas and Luna dig into the widening gap between gold's rally and cooling inflation data. They explore what central bank buying, falling real yields, and a weak jobs report have to do with it — and why gold might be telling us something equities aren't. If you've been scratching your head at gold's surge, this episode connects the dots. #GoldRally #CPI #Inflation #CentralBanks #Fed #RealYields #JobsReport #Economics…
Why Gold Is Rallying While Inflation Cools
In this episode of Inflation Explained, Lucas and Luna unpack a curious market moment: inflation is cooling — CPI dipped to 332.6 in June — yet gold just surged over nine percent in a single week, hitting $4,400 an ounce. They explore what's driving the divergence: real yields, central bank buying, and a softening labor market that saw 23,000 jobs lost in July. Why do investors pile into gold when price pressures ease? Is it a hedge against the next shock, or a signal that the bond market knows…
Why Your Gym Membership Is Beating Core CPI
In this episode of Inflation Explained, Lucas and Luna tackle a fresh inflation puzzle: core services prices have stayed stubbornly high even as headline CPI cools. They focus on one surprising category — fitness club memberships — which have been rising at nearly three times the rate of overall core services. Using fresh data from June 2026, they break down why demand for gym memberships is booming, how pricing power works in subscription businesses, and what this tells us about the broader…
Why Your Coffee Is Getting Pricier While Inflation Cools
In this episode of Inflation Explained, Lucas and Luna unpack a puzzle: headline inflation is easing, yet your morning coffee keeps getting more expensive. They trace the cost from the arabica bean to your cup, showing how extreme drought in Vietnam and Brazil has slashed supply, pushing global coffee futures to record highs. They connect the dots to the latest CPI data — which rose just 0.1 percent in June — and explain why energy and food prices are excluded from 'core' inflation, making the…
Why Your Internet Bill Is Rising Despite Falling CPI
In this episode of Inflation Explained, Lucas and Luna dig into a puzzle that's been showing up in listeners' mail: the overall inflation rate is cooling, yet your internet bill keeps creeping up. They unpack the mechanics of broadband pricing — why the Bureau of Labor Statistics treats internet service differently from other goods, how promotional pricing distorts the official CPI number, and why the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program is now showing up in real bills. They also look at…
Why Your Sports Ticket Prices Keep Rising Despite Cooling CPI
CPI is finally cooling, but have you noticed the price of a concert ticket, a Broadway show, or a football game? Those prices keep climbing. In this episode, Lucas and Luna dig into why live-event prices are bucking the inflation trend. They start with a surprising stat: the entertainment sub-index of CPI rose 3.1 percent year-over-year in June, even as headline CPI fell. They explore the forces behind this — from dynamic pricing algorithms to the rise of mega-tours by artists like Taylor Swift…
Why Your Rent Is Falling While Hotel Prices Keep Climbing
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the growing split between rents and hotel prices. With CPI showing rents down but hotel rates up, they break down what's driving the divergence: shifting supply in residential versus hospitality markets, the rise of remote work, and the boom in leisure travel. They look at the latest data, including the June CPI report and the PCE index, and discuss what this means for the average consumer. Whether you're a renter, a traveler, or just curious about the…
Core Inflation Is Falling at Different Speeds
Headline inflation is easing, but core CPI—which strips out food and energy—is still running hotter than the overall number. In this episode, Lucas and Luna dig into the June 2026 CPI release: overall CPI fell to 332.6 while core CPI held at 336.1, a gap that matters for your wallet and for the Fed's next move. They explain why services like rent and medical care are keeping core inflation sticky even as goods prices decline, why the Fed's preferred gauge—core PCE—actually ticked up, and what…
Why Bond Markets See Inflation Risk Despite Falling CPI
The June CPI ticked down to 332.6, but the bond market's breakeven inflation rate rose to 2.26% from 2.20%. Lucas and Luna unpack why investors are pricing in higher inflation ahead, even as headline numbers soften. They explore the role of rising oil prices, new tariff risks, and sticky services inflation, and what this divergence means for the Fed's next move amid a slowing economy. #Inflation #CPI #BondMarket #BreakevenInflation #FederalReserve #MonetaryPolicy #OilPrices #Tariffs #CorePCE…
The Fed's Internal Battle Over Inflation Data
The latest CPI reading showed a welcome drop to 332.6, but core inflation barely budged and the Fed's preferred PCE gauge is still rising. So why can't the Fed agree on a rate cut? Lucas and Luna dig into the internal divisions at the Federal Reserve, from hawks who see sticky services inflation to doves who worry about falling goods prices. They also break down what the rising 10-year breakeven rate (now 2.26%) signals about market expectations. Plus, a look at how Kevin Warsh's recent…
Why Sticky Core Inflation Keeps the Fed on Hold
Headline CPI fell for a second straight month in June, dropping to 332.6 from 333.98. But core CPI stuck at 336.1, barely moving. Lucas and Luna dig into why the Fed can't cut rates despite the headline relief — and what the bond market's 2.20% breakeven rate tells us about the real inflation picture. With import prices at 2008 highs and PCE still rising, this episode explains the inflation divergence that matters most for your cost of living. #Inflation #CPI #CoreCPI #FederalReserve #Fed…
Bond Markets See Low Inflation Despite Import Price Surge
Import prices from China just hit their highest level since 2008. That sounds inflationary. But the 10-year breakeven inflation rate — the bond market's best guess for future inflation — is actually falling. In this episode, Lucas and Luna unpack the disconnect. They explain why bond traders see tariffs and import surges as one-time price shocks rather than lasting inflation. They also contrast the breakeven with the Fed's preferred PCE gauge, which is still rising. With the Fed funds rate at…
Import Prices Hit 2008 High – Why That's a Warning for CPI
CPI is falling, but last week's import price report showed a surprise jump – costs from China hit their highest since 2008. Lucas and Luna unpack why this number matters even though you haven't felt it at the store yet, how front-loading and tariffs are distorting the data, and whether this could stall the disinflation trend. They also touch on the bond market's calm reaction and the new generic drug tariff proposal. If you've ever wondered why economists watch obscure trade data, this episode…
How Proposed Drug Tariffs Could Change Your Prescription Costs
CPI is falling, headline now at 332.6, but a new policy proposal could hit one of your biggest monthly expenses: generic drugs. We break down the White House's plan for pharmaceutical tariffs starting in 2028, why generic prices have been a rare inflation bright spot, and what the bond market's falling breakeven rate (2.21%) implies about the odds of these tariffs sticking. Plus, why your pharmacy bill might look very different in two years. #InflationExplained #CPI #DrugTariffs #GenericDrugs…
The Inflation Divide Why Goods Fall but Services Keep Climbing
In Episode 139 of Inflation Explained, Lucas and Luna unpack a striking trend in the latest June CPI data: headline inflation fell to 332.6, but core CPI held steady at 336.1. The reason? Goods prices are declining—think electronics, used cars, and furniture—while services like haircuts, insurance, and rent continue to rise. They explore why service inflation is so sticky, from tight labor markets to minimum wage increases, and what that means for the Fed's next move. With the 10-year breakeven…
Why Your Medical Bills Keep Rising Despite Falling CPI
Headline CPI fell again in June to 332.6, but your health insurance premiums? Up. Your co-pays? Up. Tuition fees? Rising. In this episode, Lucas and Luna unpack the growing gap between the overall inflation numbers and what you actually spend on services. Core PCE, the Fed's preferred gauge, actually ticked up to 130.1 in May, driven by medical care and other sticky service costs. The bond market sees only 2.26% inflation ahead, but consumers are living a different reality. We explain why…
Why Chinese Import Surge Hasn't Raised Your Grocery Bill Yet
In this episode, Lucas and Luna examine a surprising divergence: despite the June CPI dropping to 332.6, the cost of imported goods from China just hit its highest level since 2008. They explore why retailers are absorbing these higher costs for now, how new tariffs may eventually force price hikes, and what this could mean for the inflation outlook. With the 10-year breakeven inflation falling to 2.26, the bond market seems unconcerned — but is it wrong? #InflationExplained #ChineseImports…
Why the Bond Market Expects Lower Inflation Despite Tariff Risks
On Episode 136 of Inflation Explained, Lucas and Luna dig into a fascinating disconnect: the 10-year breakeven inflation rate has fallen to 2.26%, the lowest in months, signaling that bond traders expect inflation to keep cooling. But at the same time, import prices from China just hit their highest level since 2008, and a new global tariff is raising costs for businesses. So who's right — the market or the policy? We unpack what breakeven rates actually measure, why the bond market is betting…
Why the Fed's Preferred Inflation Gauge Still Rising While CPI Falls
The latest CPI dropped to 332.6, but the Fed's preferred PCE gauge ticked up to 131.5. Lucas and Luna break down the divergence between these two inflation measures, explaining why import prices from China at their highest since 2008 are pushing PCE higher. They discuss what this means for the Fed's rate path at 3.63% and why your personal inflation experience may differ from official numbers. A nuanced look at the data behind the headlines. #Economics #Inflation #CPI #PCE #FederalReserve…
How Chinese Import Prices Are Reshaping Inflation
Headline CPI is falling, but import prices from China just hit an 18-year high. Lucas and Luna break down what's behind that spike—from tariff policy and supply chain shifts to the goods most affected like electronics and toys. They also explain why this divergence matters for your wallet and the Fed's next move. Plus: how listener support keeps this show ad-free. #InflationExplained #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Economics #ImportPrices #ChinaTariffs #CPI #CoreCPI #Fed #SupplyChain…
Why Your Streaming Bills Are Still Creeping Up Despite Lower CPI
Episode 133 of Inflation Explained with Fexingo. Lucas and Luna dig into a stubborn corner of your budget: streaming services. Despite headline CPI cooling and even falling, prices for Netflix, Spotify, and Disney+ have quietly climbed 6-8% over the past year. Using fresh July 2026 data — CPI at 332.6, down from 333.98, and Fed funds steady at 3.63% — they unpack why content costs are defying the broader disinflation trend. The hosts trace the economics: how studios' debt loads from the…
Why Your Rent Is Falling While Your Hotel Room Isnt
Episode 132 of Inflation Explained with Fexingo dives into the growing disconnect between the rental market and hotel prices. With CPI shelter costs finally easing — the index dipped slightly in June 2026 — but hotel rates still surging, Lucas and Luna unpack why landlords are cutting rents in oversupplied Sun Belt cities while hotels cash in on limited supply and event-driven demand. They break down the data: rent growth has slowed to under 2% year-over-year in places like Austin and Phoenix…
Why Gold Is Outpacing Falling Inflation
In this episode of Inflation Explained with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna tackle a head-scratcher: inflation is falling, yet gold prices have surged to new highs. They unpack why the traditional inflation hedge is behaving differently this time, pointing to the $4,095 per ounce gold price and the 7.4% jump in mining stocks. They examine the role of declining real interest rates, a weaker dollar, and mixed central bank buying patterns. The hosts also explore how the disconnect between CPI and gold…
Why Used Car Prices Are Falling Faster Than New Cars
In Episode 130 of Inflation Explained with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna dig into a surprising divergence in today's inflation data: while new car prices have barely budged despite lower overall CPI, used car prices have tumbled more than 10% from their peak. They unpack the factors behind the gap — from fading supply-chain constraints and shifting consumer demand to the peculiar mechanics of how the CPI weights vehicle costs. With the June CPI reading at 332.6 and core PCE still edging up, they…
Why Gold Is Rallying While CPI Falls
In this episode of Inflation Explained, Lucas and Luna examine the puzzling rally in gold prices despite falling CPI and core inflation in June 2026. With gold hovering near $4,150 an ounce and silver surging over 7% in five days, the hosts drill into what's driving the divergence: falling real yields, central bank buying, and geopolitical uncertainty. They discuss the disconnect between headline CPI dropping to 332.6 while the 10-year breakeven inflation rate ticked up to 2.26%, and what that…
How Your Car Insurance Is Still Rising Despite Lower CPI
Inflation is cooling, but your auto insurance premium is probably still climbing. In this episode, Lucas and Luna unpack why car insurance costs have become one of the stickiest components of the Consumer Price Index. They dive into the specific mechanics behind it: how rising vehicle repair costs, more expensive parts from China, and the surge in claims frequency have created a lag effect that keeps premiums high even as overall inflation eases. Lucas points to the latest June CPI data, which…
Why Your Takeout Delivery Fee Is Rising Faster Than Inflation
Even as overall CPI falls, the delivery fees on your food orders keep climbing. Lucas and Luna explain why third-party delivery platforms have built-in inflation that's immune to broader economic trends. They break down the specific cost drivers — insurance, minimum wage hikes, technology fees — and why a $12 lunch special can end up costing $22. Plus, they connect it to the latest import price data and Fed commentary on consumer spending. If you've wondered why your DoorDash or Uber Eats total…
The Hotel Room Hotel: Why Your Stay Costs More But Your Flight Doesn't
Lucas and Luna unpack the widening gap between hotel prices and airfares in June, using the latest CPI data to show how the post-pandemic travel boom reshaped hotel pricing power. They explore why airlines had to compete while hotels kept raising rates, and what this means for your next trip. #HotelPrices #Airfares #CPI #TravelInflation #PostPandemicTravel #Lodging #Airlines #PricingPower #ConsumerSpending #SupplyAndDemand #Economics #InflationGap #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LucasAndLuna…
Why Your Hotel Room Costs More But Your Flight Doesn't
Lucas and Luna break down the growing divide between travel-related inflation categories. While airfares have fallen 6.2% year-over-year, hotel room rates are up 4.8%. They explore why—pointing to supply constraints in lodging, airline capacity returning, and how the post-pandemic travel boom has shifted. Using June CPI data and recent Fed commentary on consumer spending, they explain what this means for your next vacation budget. A sharp, practical episode for anyone planning travel in 2026.…
How Import Prices Are Raising Your Grocery Bill
Episode 124 of Inflation Explained with Fexingo. Lucas and Luna break down why import prices just hit their highest level since 2008, according to the latest data from mid-July 2026. They connect this to a key gap: wholesale prices dropped 0.3% in June, but retail prices aren't following. Using the example of Chinese-manufactured goods that account for nearly 15% of US imports, they explain how shipping costs, tariffs, and currency shifts get absorbed by retailers—then passed to you. Lucas…
Why Your Rent Is Stuck While Everything Else Drops
In June 2026, CPI fell to 332.6, but shelter costs rose again. Lucas and Luna dig into why rent and owners' equivalent rent lag the broader inflation slowdown by 12 to 18 months, and what that means for tenants, landlords, and the Fed. They look at how CPI weights shelter at over 33 percent, why new leases are falling while renewals keep climbing, and whether the apartment-building boom in cities like Austin and Nashville is finally going to break the cycle. Plus, a candid moment about how…
Why Your Gym Membership Is Stuck in 2024 Pricing
In this episode of Inflation Explained, Lucas and Luna dig into a surprising inflation anomaly: the cost of gym memberships. While overall CPI has fallen, gym fees remain frozen at 2024 levels — even as landlords, insurers, and equipment costs have all gone up. They explore why the fitness industry is absorbing higher costs instead of passing them on, how the post-pandemic membership surge created a buffer, and whether your monthly dues are about to jump. Using data from the June CPI report and…
The Price Gap Between Wholesale and Retail You Are Paying
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the growing disconnect between wholesale prices, which unexpectedly declined 0.3 percent in June 2026, and the retail prices consumers still see rising. They drill into why a drop in gasoline costs didn't filter through to grocery shelves, and how import price gains—especially from China—are keeping margins fat for some businesses. Lucas breaks down the concept of 'cost-plus pricing' versus what companies actually do: price what the market will bear. Luna…
The Import Price Twist Reshaping Your Inflation Reality
Episode 120 of Inflation Explained with Fexingo. Lucas and Luna dive into a surprising new data point: import prices just posted their biggest monthly gain since 2018, driven largely by goods from China hitting their highest level since 2008. Meanwhile, the June CPI fell to 332.6, down from 333.98. So why do price cuts at the store feel so absent? The hosts unpack the disconnect between wholesale and consumer inflation, explaining how rising import costs for raw materials and components quietly…
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