Equity markets went wild last week as stronger-than-expected data and a surge in the 10-year treasury yield drove market sentiment. Both data points suggest the Fed will keep interest rates high for a long time, making the New Normal normal. That means the rates on many consumer products are increasing to match the expectation that the FOMC will not be lowering interest rates any time soon.

This week could bring another round of increased volatility for the S&P 500. Not only is there inflation data coming out, but the peak of earnings season begins on Friday. PPI, CPI, and import prices are due on the inflation front. The CPI should be expected to accelerate compared to the previous month, given the sustained increase in oil prices since summer. The risk now is that the data will lead the FOMC to increase interest rates again and break the economy for real.