The Fed Faces A Huge Credibility Test

Samuel Smith Investing Group Follow Summary Inflation is reaccelerating in the most politically painful areas, with energy costs driving headline CPI higher just as the Fed approaches a crucial September decision. The ECB's recent rate hike only raises the stakes further. However, there is also a case to be made for holding rates steady. I share my expectations for the Fed moving forward and how I am positioning my portfolio as a result. Looking for a portfolio of ideas like this one? Members of High Yield Investor get exclusive access to our subscriber-only portfolios. Learn More » Pakorn Supajitsoontorn/iStock via Getty Images The past month has had a flurry of major macro events combine to create a very difficult decision for the Federal Reserve in its upcoming September meeting, including the August CPI report , the European Central Bank’s ("ECB") rate hike This article was written by Samuel Smith 52K Followers Follow Samuel Smith has a diverse background that includes being lead analyst and Vice President at several highly regarded dividend stock research firms and running his own dividend investing YouTube channel. He is a Professional Engineer and Project Management Professional and holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering & Mathematics from the United States Military Academy at West Point and has a Masters in Engineering from Texas A&M with a focus on applied mathematics and machine learning.Samuel leads the High Yield Investor investing group. Samuel teams up with Jussi Askola and Paul R. Drake where they focus on finding the right balance between safety, growth, yield, and value. High Yield Investor offers real-money core, retirement, and international portfolios. The service also features regular trade alerts, educational content, and an active chat room of like-minded investors. Perspective: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also ... For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?" ~ Jesus (Matthew 6:19-21; 16:26)Learn more Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.