There are conflicting signals. On the one hand, the rates are climbing so it is genuinely easier to park your money in something tangible if you think inflation

There are conflicting signals. On the one hand, the rates are climbing so it is genuinely easier to park your money in something tangible if you think inflation is not going to be tamed easily. If that is a prevailing view, then some rush to pick any remaining inventory for non-perishable goods will be strong and keep the prices stable or rising ( housing in metro areas is a good example, where sales indicate stubborn price rigidity ). Agreed on cars ( I just financed one ). I clearly could have pushed more just based on that. I am mildly annoyed with myself.