Viewpoint: The AI investment boom could drive a renewed uptick in the U.S. economy, adding pressure on the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates.

US October inflation data came in higher than expected, reflecting widespread and persistent price pressures facing consumers, sparking concerns among some Federal Reserve officials who argue more aggressive measures may be needed to curb inflation. Over the past three months, prices of consumer computers and peripherals have risen at an annualized rate of 25%. Smartphone prices posted their largest monthly increase on record last month, though this coincided with the launch of Apple’s new iPhone Duo. Meanwhile, rising demand from data centers pushed electricity prices up 0.9% in October, the biggest gain in six months. Analysts from TD Securities and Morgan Stanley said these price hikes align with growing demand for chips and other electronics driven by AI-related needs. The boom in data center and related infrastructure construction is also driving overall economic growth, while Federal Reserve policymakers are currently working to ensure strong demand does not further exacerbate inflation. Preston Caldwell, chief US economist at Morningstar, noted in a client report that recent data raises the possibility that the massive demand stimulus from the AI boom is overheating the US economy again. If this trend persists through 2027, the Fed may need to raise interest rates multiple times.