How to read the scores
The Price Pressure Score is a directional index. It asks whether current upstream forces are pushing future consumer costs upward or downward in United States. A score of 70 does not mean prices will rise 70%.
Current evidence is neutral or cushioning.
Signals are mixed or only moderately directional.
Several meaningful forces point upward.
Strong and/or broad upward pressure is present.
Score versus confidence
Score measures direction and strength. Confidence measures coverage, freshness and quality. A high score with medium confidence means available evidence points upward, but some inputs are missing or weaker.
Time horizons matter
Fresh produce can react within weeks. Dairy and meat can take months. Fuel can move quickly. Electricity tariffs can lag wholesale conditions. Every product therefore carries its own horizon.
Country scores can differ
A global shock can be identical while local currency, weather, domestic production, logistics and observed pass-through differ. That is why United States gets its own output rather than inheriting a global score.