And it won't. It's foolish and downright delusional to think prices will drop. When has corporate America ever "dropped prices" after a hike? Maybe the hike happens because production costs rise. But, when/if production costs go back down (and they often do) corporations do not lower base prices again; they just chalk the difference up to increased profit they can push to the board and stockholders. Prices NEVER go back down. Sure, they'll offer you a sales price to lure you into parting with your hard earned dollars.. But that base price only ever rises.