Searching for Assets to Hedge Against Inflation in the U.S. Market

Abstract

This paper provides evidence regarding the relationship between asset returns and (expected) inflation in the U.S. market. Evidence indicates that inflation has a negative effect on stocks, REIT and bonds. However, its effect on housing and gold assets is positive. Evidence concludes both housing and gold tend to show a positive correlation with inflation. This study finds that inflation causes equity market volatility due to investors’ fears about the possibility of interest rate hikes by the Fed, which further aggravates the price of stocks and REIT, but helps to improve bond prices due to a flight-to-quality effect.