Falling Flat: The Consumer Price Index

Oct 16, 2024

1 min

Jeff Haymond, Ph.D.

Following a surprising jobs report, inflation didn't ease as much as anticipated. The Consumer Price Index fell to 2.4% year over year last month. Although this was not the desired number, inflation is still declining towards the Fed's target of 2%. What do these numbers mean for the upcoming election and future of the U.S. economy? 



Dr. Jeff Haymond, economic expert and dean of the Robert W. Plaster School of Business at Cedarville University, has provided insight on recent U.S. economy updates in a recent interview:


  • The consumer price index was higher than expected in September, but the recent interest rate cut and a hopeful jobs report still provide some good news for the economy. Will inflation continue to ease in the right direction?
  • Experts, such as Haymond, acknowledge that the recent interest rate cut by the Fed was a political move. The cost of living is a crucial issue for U.S. voters as they prepare for the election and hope for eased inflation. How will this and other economic updates affect the decisions of voters as the elections draws near? 


If you are covering the U.S. economy and need to know more, let us help with your questions and stories.


Dr. Jeff Haymond is an expert on this subject and is available to speak to media regarding the U.S. economy and what recent news means for families in the United States – simply click on his icon or email mweinstein@cedarville.edu to arrange an interview.




Connect with:
Jeff Haymond, Ph.D.

Jeff Haymond, Ph.D.

Dean, School of Business Administration/Associate Professor

Research interests include economics and religion, as well as monetary theory

Financial Markets (General)Federal Trade Reserve PolicyFree TradeMinimum Wage / UnemploymentGovernment Regulation

You might also like...

Check out some other posts from Cedarville University

1 min

What's Happening with the Iran Conflict?

Since 1997, Iran has vowed "death to America." It hasn't always been that way though, but over the course of seven decades the relationship has changed from being close allies to enemies.  America isn't the only country having conflict with Iran. For over 45 years, Israel has been fighting with Iran. There are currently 10 countries that have conflict with Iran.  Tensions between Israel and Iran rose higher in April 2024, when Iran launched its first-ever drone and missile attack on Israel. This conflict extended into June 2024, then grew quiet while remaining unstable.  On June 13, 2025, Israel launched surprise attacks on Iran due to Iran's imminent threat of constructing nuclear bombs. America, known for being philosemitic, launched its own attack on Iran which President Trump said "obliterated" their nuclear plants. White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt reminded Americans that America has "the best and most lethal fighting force in the world."  While updates are continually being given on the war. President Trump is working on negotiating a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.  Dr. Glen Duerr, professor of international studies at Cedarville University and a citizen of the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, is a nationally known expert on this subject and is available to speak to on the conflict going on in Iran and the implications it has for America. To schedule an interview, email Mark D. Weinstein, executive director of public relations at Cedarville University at mweinstein@cedarville.edu or click on his icon.

1 min

Supreme Court Takes Action on Transgender Law

On June 18, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that Tennessee could ban gender-affirming care for transgender minors. This decision is expected to not only affect those in Tennessee but those across America.  This is not the first time the Supreme Court has upheld anti-transgender laws. President Trump requested that transgender individuals be removed from the military, which the Supreme Court granted on May 6, 2025.  This ruling has gotten mixed reactions to those rejoicing and others enraged. Bill Lee, Tennessee governor, reminds others that, "Protecting children is a fundamental responsibility that we take seriously...this [bipartisan legislation] lawfully safeguards young people from irreversible, life-altering medical decisions."  Time will tell how this decision made by the Supreme Court will affect other similar cases that will appear before them.  Dr. Mark Caleb Smith is the Director of the Center for Political Studies at Cedarville University. Mark is available to speak with the media regarding the Supreme Court and their decision. Simply click on his icon or email mweinstein@cedarville.edu to arrange an interview. 

1 min

America Sees Another Surge in Political Violence

America has seen its share of political violence, the worst being the Civil War. But unrest is stirring once again in the hearts of Americans as her citizens are being divided by President Trump's deportation of illegal immigrants. Some see it as a solution to cut back violence and drugs in America, while others see it as a cruel, heartless act.  Protests are rising up across America as those who oppose the deportation are showing their dislike. People in Ohio, Florida, Alaska and other states are participating in anti-ICE protests. Texas and California have been the most vocal about it, with LA featured on the news many times.  As unlawful assembly escalated in LA, looted buildings, cars set on fire and blocked roads, President Trump sent 700 US Marines. This only frustrated state officials more who claimed they had it under control. While 338 arrests have occurred, there have been no reported deaths linked to the protests.  This is not the first time LA, California, has seen political violence though, as they have dealt with Watts Riots in 1965, the 1992 Los Angeles riots and in 1997 the North Hollywood shootout.  Dr. Stanely Schwartz is an expert on history and is available to speak to media regarding the protests and political violence throughout history – simply email mweinstein@cedarville.edu or text or call (937) 532-6885 to arrange an interview.

View all posts