Looking for Doritos at the supermarket? That may be difficult at certain grocery chains where the chips are being pulled from shelves – so far only in several European countries.* The reasons? Partly, to protest possible “shrinkflation”, that annoying occurrence of a company lowering the amount of product in its packaging but charging the same price (which also could be called a “rip off”). Another reason the grocery chain is choosing not to stock Doritos and several other PepsiCo products is persistent and unreasonable price increases by PepsiCo.
Apparently, consumers and certain supermarket chains concerned with holding on to customers, have had enough with price increases, especially on discretionary items (are Doritos a staple or discretionary?). The move by the grocer Carrefour could be a positive development for consumers in early 2024. What else would consumers, investors and savers like to see in 2024?
The list could vary but here’s a stab at potential positives:
- A continuation of positive returns in global equity and debt markets
- Maintaining a status quo in levels of interest rates, benefitting savers and giving a chance for more certainty that high inflation has been reigned in (read: slow down on talk of rapid interest rate cuts)
- A steady banking environment – with deposits remaining safe but not in an unresponsible, unlimited way (interest rates too low for too long encouraged irresponsible and, in some cases illegal, risk taking)
- A slowdown in inflation… but not too slow, as to bring on a recession
- Prices to ease for the basics of food staples, housing & transportation
- Better leadership overall in Washington DC – tempering policy and addressing out-of-control levels of debt and spending (overdue)
- Continued steady, healthy levels of employment without out-of-control wage inflation
- Companies investing in infrastructure and, most important, their people – rewarding performance, with leaders feeling confident to spend today for future smart growth
- Control in the cost of college and university tuition (heck, even certain high schools’ tuition)
- Cryptocurrency to grow in a healthy way.
We are still in the earliest days of 2024. These positives could serve investors at every stage all year long and beyond – and maybe even control the cost of Doritos.
*Source: Mauro Orru, Jennifer Maloney, WSJ.com. January 4, 2024.
This material has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, tax, legal or accounting advice.