Group 1 - The core concern is the resurgence of inflation risks in the U.S. economy, driven by a return to peak levels of M2 money supply and rising inflation indicators [1][9][11] - Economists warn that further monetary easing could replicate the inflationary cycles of the 1970s, leading to severe economic consequences [2][5][16] - The Producer Price Index (PPI) has reached a high of 3.3%, indicating significant wholesale cost pressures that may translate to consumer prices [3][15] Group 2 - The M2 money supply, which surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, has returned to historical peak levels, with an annual growth rate approaching 5%, a level historically associated with inflation risks [7][9] - Recent price data supports inflation concerns, with core PPI rising 33.3% since January 2017, reflecting ongoing upward pressure on consumer goods and services [13][15] - The lessons from the 1970s highlight the dangers of premature monetary policy easing, which could lead to repeated inflationary waves and economic turmoil [16][18] Group 3 - The current inflation backdrop has intensified the policy divergence between the White House and the Federal Reserve, with political pressures advocating for lower interest rates [19][20] - The potential for renewed inflation could undermine the credibility of the current administration, linking it to past economic policies [20] - Observers view the Fed Chair Powell's resistance to rate cuts as a responsible stance amid rising inflation concerns, with fears that a successor may prioritize rate reductions [20]

Group 1 - The core argument of the article is that the implementation of the "reciprocal tariff" policy by the Trump administration is likely to initially drive up inflation in the U.S., with the potential for future deflation depending on the economic conditions [1][2][3] - The article discusses the divergence in market opinions regarding the impact of high tariffs on U.S. price levels, with mainstream views suggesting that tariffs will push inflation up through import cost transmission, while others argue that it may suppress economic growth and lead to deflationary pressures [2][3] - Historical evidence shows that while tariffs can create cost-push inflation, significant economic contractions can lead to stronger deflationary forces, as seen during the Great Depression and the 2018 trade tensions [3][10] Group 2 - The current economic environment suggests that tariffs are more likely to trigger inflation rather than directly cause deflation, due to three main factors: the relative health of the U.S. economy, the significant increase in tariff rates with limited import substitution options, and a relatively weak dollar [7][8][9] - Inflationary pressures began to manifest in May 2025, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) showing a slight increase, and further price increases are expected as the tariff policy is fully implemented [11][12] - The article notes that the price increases may not be one-time events, as the uncertain and gradual nature of the tariff implementation could lead to sustained inflationary expectations among businesses and consumers [16][17] Group 3 - Other factors influencing inflation include expansionary fiscal policies, such as the "Big and Beautiful" act, which is expected to significantly increase the federal deficit and support inflation levels, and stricter immigration policies that may lead to labor shortages and rising wage costs [19] - Conversely, potential downward pressures on inflation could arise from spending cuts and slowing economic growth, with the International Monetary Fund and OECD lowering their GDP growth forecasts for the U.S. [20]