Today, we note that despite a strong economy with very low unemployment, measures of consumer sentiment and overall confidence levels are lower than one might expect. Prices are still much higher than they were before the recent inflationary period because of the way that high prices get “built in” when a bout of inflation occurs and “built on” when inflation returns to a more normal/lower level. There is also certainly a negative psychological aspect of inflation that influences consumer behavior and expectations.

In this episode, we sit down with John Crawford, IV, CFA, our Managing Director of Equity Investments to discuss how this mental accounting of the overall price of things we consume is at least partially why increases in the costs of goods and services evoke such a visceral response from consumers and business owners, not to mention the media. In addition to being available on our website, we are pleased that our podcasts are available on Spotify, Apple Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Disclosures:

Crawford Investment Counsel Inc. (“Crawford”) is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about Crawford including our investment strategies and objectives can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

This material is distributed for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed are those of Crawford. The opinions referenced are as of the date of publication and are subject to change due to changes in the market or economic conditions and may not necessarily come to pass. Forward looking statements cannot be guaranteed. There is no guarantee of the future performance of any Crawford investment strategy. Material presented has been derived from sources considered to be accurate and reliable, but makes no representation thereof and accepts no liability or any loss arising from use or reliance herein.

The company identified herein is an example of a holding and is subject to change without notice. The company has been selected to help illustrate the investment process described herein. This is not a recommendation to buy or sell a particular security. It should not be assumed that any of the securities discussed were or will prove to be profitable, or that investment recommendations or decisions we make in the future will be profitable. Nothing herein should be construed as a solicitation, recommendation, or an offer to buy, sell or hold any securities, other investments or to adopt any investment strategy.
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