By late 2025 the [[inflation]]ary pressure already began. Consumer price inflation reached 6.8% in 2024, the highest level since the early 1980s. Food prices increased 9.3%. Energy prices rose 12.7%. Housing costs climbed 8.4%. These increases occurred while the [[Federal Reserve]] was actively trying to control inflation through [[interest rate]] increases. | By late 2025 the [[inflation]]ary pressure already began. Consumer price inflation reached 6.8% in 2024, the highest level since the early 1980s. Food prices increased 9.3%. Energy prices rose 12.7%. Housing costs climbed 8.4%. These increases occurred while the [[Federal Reserve]] was actively trying to control inflation through [[interest rate]] increases. |