U.S. Inflation: Balancing Past Pressures and Future Hopes Inflation remains a key concern, with cumulative price hikes of 21-22% over recent years straining affordability. Recent data shows annual inflation at 2.7% in November 2025, down slightly, while trailing three-month rates near 2.2%. Treasury officials predict declines by mid-2026 through policy shifts like tax cuts and deregulation, aiming for 3.5% GDP growth. However, polls reveal many Americans attribute ongoing costs to current leader