Big Gains Cause Concern

While rallies in oil and metals—from aluminum to nickel—faltered during the week, big gains have spurred increased speculation that inflation will pick up. Speculation over inflation has caused the 10-year Treasury yield to increase from 2.83% at the start of the week to 2.91%; the first time the 10-year yield has surpassed 2.90% since February. Investors are now nervous, wondering what happens if crude takes off and wages go higher, housing costs escalate, etc., and what will that mean for the overall economy?