Companies like Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) and Pepsi (NYSE:PEP) have been able to pass on higher prices to willing consumers, leading to booming top- and bottom-line results. The Fed is simply pushing on with its campaign to reduce inflation unsuccessfully, while simultaneously increasing risk in the banking sector. It seems strange to me personally, as I’ve grown tired of paying $5 for a bag of chips, but I guess I clearly don’t represent the average consumer.