Inflation picture more nuanced than headlines suggest

While rising commodity prices and supply shortages are boosting inflation everywhere for now, the outlook is mixed. The boost from energy prices will fade soon as the anniversary of last year’s slump in the oil price passes. And while shortages of inputs including semiconductors, metals and lumber may persist for a bit longer, they should ease in time as supply recovers and consumption patterns normalise. However, some economies face greater risks of sustained inflation than others. Among the advanced economies, spare capacity is likely to be eliminated soonest in the US and signs of widespread labour market tightness are most pronounced there and in Australia. Among the EMs, strong recoveries in China and East Asia are doing little to generate prices pressures but the risks are greater in Central Europe.