U.S. Core CPI
Consumer prices have risen by the most since 2011 even with rising costs of rent and healthcare. Consumer spending made a significant comeback at the start of the year after a lackluster holiday period. Yet, persistently low energy prices have yet to fully filter to U.S. consumer spending behavior. Despite a 0.5% increase in disposable income, consumer prices are still some way off the Federal Reserve’s price stability mandate of 1-3% inflation target. Some signs of growth are appearing, with inflation stabilizing between the 0.1 -0.3% level.
Trading Event:
U.S. Core CPI
Today at 13:30 GMT
Investor Notes:
- Core CPI is expected to fall to 0.2% for February after rising 0.3% in January.
- Average Hourly Earnings unexpectedly fell in February, contracting by 0.1% after rising by 0.5% in the previous month.
- Core Retail Sales fell less than expected in February, contracting by 0.1% less than the 0.2% forecasted.
- The Conference Board Consumer Confidence survey showed a decline to 92.2 in February compared with 97.8 for January.
