FTSE 100 makes a positive start to the new trading week though inflation worries continue to linger A predicted, the FTSE 100 made a cautious but positive start to proceedings, though inflationary worries lingered. A temperature check will be provided on Friday when the US announces prices and consumer consumption data. Before that, we have a gaggle of US Federal Reserve officials making speeches that may point to the direction of travel for the central bank. The fear is that the Fed will begin to taper support and raise rates if the inflationary risk from a rapid economic recovery becomes too pronounced. The rising tide which lifted all boats earlier in the year has now become choppy waters, as inflation concerns rise to the surface, said Richard Hunter, head of markets at Interactive Investor. There is increasing evidence of blockages in the economy as the strength of demand outpaces available supply. Whether this is raw materials or labour, the pressures are clearly inflationary. The question which is currently perplexing investors is whether this is a temporary effect as supply catches up with demand quickly, or whether there are wider factors at play, such as higher prices given the current trend towards deglobalisation, exacerbated by the pandemic. On the market, the top Footsie loser was Antofagasta (LON:ANTO).