Even though inflation in the United States has declined sharply, it remains above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. Due to the hotter-than-expected January inflation reading, consumer sentiment took a beating. The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment survey displayed a reading of 76.9 in February, down from the January figure of 79. Fed Chair Jerome Powell's recent statement that he needs to "see a little bit more data" before rate cuts become a reality highlights that interest rates will remain high, ...