Loading navigation

A Sigh of Relief on Inflation

A cooler CPI report brought welcome news for investors, but persistent inflation pressures and higher oil prices continue to complicate the Fed's outlook.
July 17, 2026Liz Ann SondersCollin Martin
Podcast cover: A Sigh of Relief on Inflation

On Investing | EP122

A Sigh of Relief on Inflation

Current time: 0 seconds, Duration: 0 seconds

After you listen

Follow Collin and Liz Ann on social media:

A better-than-expected June Consumer Price Index (CPI) report offered some welcome relief for investors concerned about persistent inflation pressures. But while the headline numbers came in below expectations, Liz Ann Sonders and Collin Martin explain why underlying inflation trends, including higher oil prices, rising costs tied to AI-related investment, and components that feed into the Fed's preferred inflation gauge, suggest the inflation story is far from over.

They also discuss why macroeconomic factors such as inflation, monetary policy, and labor-market conditions remain essential inputs for portfolio decisions, even when investors are looking for more specific investment guidance. The conversation covers the Federal Reserve's outlook, what recent data means for bond investors, small-business sentiment and hiring plans, growing concerns about inflation among business owners, and the economic indicators they'll be watching in the weeks ahead.

On Investing is an original podcast from Charles Schwab.  

If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.

Check out more episodes.

Explore more topics

This material is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The securities, investment products and investment strategies mentioned are not suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decisions.

All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic or political conditions. Data contained herein from third party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. 

Performance may be affected by risks associated with non-diversification, including investments in specific countries or sectors. Additional risks may also include, but are not limited to, investments in foreign securities, especially emerging markets, real estate investment trusts (REITs), fixed income, municipal securities including state specific municipal securities, small capitalization securities and commodities. Each individual investor should consider these risks carefully before investing in a particular security or strategy.

Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed income investments are subject to various other risks including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications, and other factors. Lower rated securities are subject to greater credit risk, default risk, and liquidity risk.

Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.

All names and market data shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.

Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data.

The policy analysis provided by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.

Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses and cannot be invested in directly. For more information on indexes, please see schwab.com/indexdefinitions 

Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS) are inflation-linked securities issued by the US Government whose principal value is adjusted periodically in accordance with the rise and fall in the inflation rate. Thus, the dividend amount payable is also impacted by variations in the inflation rate, as it is based upon the principal value of the bond. It may fluctuate up or down. Repayment at maturity is guaranteed by the US Government and may be adjusted for inflation to become the greater of the original face amount at issuance or that face amount plus an adjustment for inflation. Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities are guaranteed by the US Government, but inflation-protected bond funds do not provide such a guarantee.

0726-F5V5