Over the past two weeks, perceptions of affordability seem to have shaped US administration policy. Tariffs on furniture imports are delayed, and proposed tariffs on Italian pasta imports are cut. Furniture prices moved from deflation in 2023-24 into inflation last year, although consumers are less sensitive to furniture price changes. Pasta is a small share of consumer spending, but a visible price. If perceptions of affordability are shaping policy, investors need to broaden their focus beyond the precise measurement offered by CP
UBS On-Air: Market Moves