General Discussion

A target of 2.0% inflation is desirable, but bumping around 2.4% for months is effectively cooled inflation. I do not think you want deflation (decline in prices from current levels to say 2023 levels). There was deflation the early 1920s, late 20s/early 30s, 1949, and 2008. Not good times. So saying "prices are still high" is a bit of mis-direction. They are what they are and stability should be goal. Zero inflation typically means no growth. Deflation means contraction.

Job losses will increase in coming months and the budget will not help other than perhaps defense jobs.