It raises an interesting question - which is the bigger evil, economic recession or inflation?The Fed doesn't have a lot of choices - rates are going to have to go up to slow down inflation. They've been trying to spur the economy through artificially low interest rates for years. We also have too many dollars chasing too few goods, which is the result of our government flooding the market with excess liquidity. And when they raise rates (which they have to) it's going to choke off economic activity (recession) AND dramatically raise the borrowing costs for the government. So - we're going to see the worst of both worlds. Can anyone say "Stagflation?"
I just know there are a lot of people who live completely outside of their means. When rates are low they are able to consolidate debt and get out of trouble. Rates at 5% or higher eliminate the ability to do that. Could potentially see a repeat of 2008 if rates continue to rise, albeit likely not as bad.