The stock market and the economy frequently move in different directions. So, when you hear that the Federal Reserve is getting ready to lower interest rates, likely as early as September, it's important to understand the interplay between inflation and employment. In this case, one of the catalysts for a decelerating inflation rate is a ticking up in unemployment. This has the added consequence of reducing labor cost pressures. Add it all up, and consumers are facing prices that continue to rise, albeit mo ...