Why should we be focusing on Consumer Price Inflation? For that answer we turn to our Chief Equity Strategist and Economist, John Blank.

1. What’s the official reason?

2. What do the facts show us about this?

3. This can get a little confusing. Because there’s the Core and Broad CPI timeline, the CPI for Airline Fares, the Median CPI and the Sticky CPI. Is there a something that puts this all together to better understand it?

4. What are the main conclusions to be drawn from all of this, especially regarding recession? CPI data also came out recently for some global markets. What story did that tell?

5. What is U.S. GDP growth looking like for this year?

6. I see news of companies laying off workers. Where does the labor market condition stand now?

7. December retail sales topped estimates. Do you think consumers will continue spending going forward?

8. Against this backdrop, is everything we’ve discussed why should investors be upbeat about the U.S. economy?

9. Could one negative be that the Treasury yield curve inversion portend a recession?

10. Stocks on the Strong Buy list include Martin Marietta Materials (MLM Quick QuoteMLM - Free Report) , Ryanair (RYAAY Quick QuoteRYAAY - Free Report) and Cloudfare (NET Quick QuoteNET - Free Report) .

Our Chief Equity Strategist & Economist, John Blank, on the economy. With John, I’m Terry Ruffolo.