Stubborn' food inflation leaves U.S. shoppers with slim appetite for other goods

Seems food inflation is here to stay, which sucks, however, if availability stays the same we can manage. Still unnerving to consider the trouble fixed-income or paycheck-to-paycheck folks are dealing with while trying to keep themselves fed.

Even Walmart's pricing is on the rise.

"Food inflation has been the most stubborn of all the categories," Walmart's U.S. CEO John Furner said.

Coresight Research predicts annual grocery retail sales will grow by around $500 billion between 2022 and 2030.

Sharp sales declines in categories other than food are forcing retailers like Target (TGT.N) to slash prices on everything from toys to electronics.

"If I were a (U.S. retail) CFO right now, I'd probably have to be talking about the most conservative guide possible," said David Wagner, portfolio manager at Aptus Capital Advisors. The firm holds about $7 million in Walmart shares and recently sold its investment in Target.

I have seen some declines in protein prices at club stores but overall things are pricey.

Store food folks… and learn to cook with it.