Not since Americans came home from World War II has inflation percolated through the U.S. economy like it is now, and it could continue to do so for months to come. That’s because the pandemic hit the economy like a sledge hammer, shattering the normal way business is conducted and consumers live their lives. The disruptions for many businesses have been difficult to repair, and the return to normal has been challenging due to supply chain disruptions and labor shortages. “You had a very quick and abrupt shift in the economy,” said Michael Gapen, chief U.S. economist at Barclays. “And it takes time to retool. It’s a ... (full story)