Economics
U.S. Companies Raising Prices Send Mixed Signals for Inflation
- Consumer-goods makers say price hikes could erode sales volume
- Broader picture shows inflation steady without big flare-up
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Strong U.S. demand and a tight job market have given companies a chance to raise prices coming into this year, and they’re testing the waters gingerly.
From consumer goods and airlines to railroads, businesses made attempts to recover higher costs including rising pay for workers, or simply lifted prices to try to boost profit margins amid healthy sales, according to comments on quarterly earnings conference calls. So far, they’ve had mixed success.