Locals react to food and energy costs triggering high inflation

METAIRIE, La. (WGNO) — The U.S. inflation rate rose to 3% this past January after seeing the steepest month-over-month margin since 2023.

Among the contributing factors is the bird flu outbreak.

“We should continue to expect some inflation from the food side in the near future, and part of that impact is energy as well,” said Gregory Ricks, the CEO and founder of Gregory Ricks & Associates – Total Wealth Authority.

Much of the impact is felt, or not felt, at the grocery store.

“The last eggs I bought were only… They were 18 large for $3.99 a couple weeks ago,” said shopper John Butler.

Data shows eggs costs about 50% more than they did last year with a 15% increase since December.

“I’ve learned to appreciate eggs more now that they’re more expensive,” said Dr. Barton Charles Barre, who was doing some grocery shopping Friday afternoon. “I always thought that eggs were such a great deal than now, they’re not such a great deal. I have noticed they’ve gone up tremendously.”

Some shoppers say it’s all about supply and demand.

“If you feel like the price is too high, do without it,” said Butler. “That’s my biggest tip.”

President Donald Trump has called on the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates, but historically the central bank cannot be influenced.

“The Fed is kind of signaling that they’re going to stand pat,” Ricks explained. “I’d say we might see one, maybe two quarter-point decreases on the back end of the year.”

Ricks says be prepared for interest rates not to budge significantly until later this year, which is why he recommends eliminating high-interest debt and looking for high-yield savings.

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