Inflation kept its grip on the American economy throughout 2025, with household essentials hitting consumers hardest. Food prices, transportation costs, and housing expenses led the charge upward—a trio of relentless price hikes that reshaped how everyday Americans think about their wallets.

These aren't abstract numbers on an economist's spreadsheet. They're real affordability challenges rippling through millions of households, shifting spending patterns and squeezing disposable income. When basics get expensive, it reshapes everything—from consumer confidence to asset allocation strategies. For anyone watching market dynamics, this economic backdrop tells you why people are increasingly exploring alternative assets and ways to preserve purchasing power. The broader takeaway: macro headwinds matter, and understanding inflation trends helps context for navigating volatile markets.