Emory economist says consumer sentiment might not reflect the numbers

Despite a decrease in the rate of inflation, Emory economist Tom Smith says consumers still feel that prices are too high. (DorMiya Vance/WABE)

On paper, the economy is doing well by many standards — unemployment is low and inflation has gone down considerably.

The immediate rate of inflation has fallen close to 3%, and the diversity of industry in Georgia and metro-Atlanta keeps the state insulated from an economic downturn.

That’s according to Emory University Goizueta Business School economics professor Tom Smith.



But consumers are still seeing higher prices when purchasing goods and services, which Smith says is a result of the inflation of the past couple years.

Smith joined “All Things Considered” to talk about why consumers aren’t necessarily feeling the relief.

Christopher Alston contributed to this report.