Analysts from Wells Fargo, explained that despite the rise in the CPI index in January that includes high numbers in the core index, gain looks a bit overstated given the jump in gasoline and core goods.
Key Quotes:
“Inflation picked up at the start of the year, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rising a stronger-than-expected 0.6 percent. While much of the lift was provided by energy (gasoline prices were up 7.8 percent), prices picked up across a broad range of components.”
“The increase in core goods prices was the largest since late 2009. While this hints that the deflationary pressure from this part of the CPI is fading, last year Fed Chair Janet Yellen was skeptical of a similarly strong rise in core inflation at the start of the year given that it was coming from some of the more volatile components (the goods sector) of the core index. The trend in core services remains fairly steady. Prices rose 0.3 percent last month and are running a little over 3 percent the past year.”
“Today’s move fits with Fed Chair Yellen’s view that inflation is gradually rising. The modest upward trend in core prices leaves the Fed scope to slowly move the fed funds rate higher this year, particularly as the most recent reads on unemployment and labor force participation suggest at least modest amounts of slack remain in the labor market. The Fed’s preferred measure on inflation, the PCE deflator, has turned up in recent months following the rebound in oil, but the core PCE remains below the FOMC’s 2 percent target. Therefore, we continue to expect the Fed’s next rate increase to come at its June meeting.”
Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.
If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.
FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.
The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.
Recommended content
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD holds below 1.0750 ahead of key US data
EUR/USD trades in a tight range below 1.0750 in the European session on Friday. The US Dollar struggles to gather strength ahead of key PCE Price Index data, the Fed's preferred gauge of inflation, and helps the pair hold its ground.
USD/JPY stays firm above 156.00 after BoJ Governor Ueda's comments
USD/JPY stays firm above 156.00 after surging above this level on the Bank of Japan's decision to leave the policy settings unchanged. BoJ Governor said weak Yen was not impacting prices but added that they will watch FX developments closely.
Gold price oscillates in a range as the focus remains glued to the US PCE Price Index
Gold price struggles to attract any meaningful buyers amid the emergence of fresh USD buying. Bets that the Fed will keep rates higher for longer amid sticky inflation help revive the USD demand.
Bitcoin Weekly Forecast: BTC’s next breakout could propel it to $80,000 Premium
Bitcoin’s recent price consolidation could be nearing its end as technical indicators and on-chain metrics suggest a potential upward breakout. However, this move would not be straightforward and could punish impatient investors.
US core PCE inflation set to signal firm price pressures as markets delay Federal Reserve rate cut bets
The core PCE Price Index, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, is seen as the more influential measure of inflation in terms of Fed positioning. The index is forecast to rise 0.3% on a monthly basis in March, matching February’s increase.