Kristina Hooper says inflation is outpacing wage growth, putting more pressure on consumers and complicating the Fed’s fight against rising prices as the economy shows signs of weakening. She expects the Fed to skip an October rate hike but raise rates in December, while warning that a slowdown in AI CapEx could weigh on economic growth. With uncertainty elevated, Hooper recommends diversification across equities and fixed income and says investors should closely watch corporate forward guidance and credit markets.