US Inflation Surges to 3.8% in April, Reviving Stagflation Concerns

The pessimistic forecast for the end of this year comes after the Bureau of Labor Statistics said Tuesday the consumer price index reached 3.8% in April on a year-on-year basis — the most since May 2023. Wholesale prices also had their biggest annual increase since 2022 last month. In a separate contract, Kalshi traders predicted a more than 65% chance inflation will be at least 4.5% this year, much higher than FactSet's consensus of 2.8%. Oil supply shocks that led to distressing stagflation in the 1970s has been compared to the surging oil prices and inflation that the economy is seeing today. "If there's a recession and inflation goes up, then there's a potential for a short period of stagflation — which means low, below potential growth rate and higher inflation — but not something close to what happened in the '70s and early '80s," said Eugenio Aleman, chief economist at financial firm Raymond James back in March. The unemployment rate held at 4.3% in April, the BLS' latest jobs report showed. It's been above 4% since May 2024. A so-called soft landing, which gradually slows the economy without confronting high inflation and tumbling into a recession, has the lowest chances of happening, per Kalshi traders. Chances for the ideal economic turnout was at a high of 55% in early March, but that quickly tumbled a few weeks later and again in early May. They currently stand at only 21%. Traders on Polymarket predict a different reality, placing stagflation at 22% and soft landing at 37% as of Thursday. Disclosure: CNBC and Kalshi have a commercial relationship that includes customer acquisition and a minority investment. Markets shift and headlines fade, but the core principles of building long-term wealth remain constant. Join us for our third CNBC Pro LIVE, where investors of all backgrounds — from financial professionals to everyday individuals — come together to cut through the noise and gain actionable strategies for smarter, more disciplined investing. No matter where you're starting from, you'll leave with clearer thinking, stronger strategies. Enter your email here to get a discount code