Disinflation in energy and core goods has been the underlying inflation narrative over the past 18 months, and that continued to be the case in the consumer price index for June. Declines in gasoline prices, used cars and trucks, transportation and commodities caused a 0.1% decline in the top-line CPI ... READ MORE >
U.S. inflation
As economy cools, Fed needs to cut rates
Growth, inflation and hiring in the United States are all cooling toward a more sustainable pace, which will most likely define the second half of the year as the Federal Reserve gets ready to reduce its restrictive policy rate. While the fiscal tailwinds that have bolstered the economy are ... READ MORE >
U.S. harmonized index of consumer prices: A more accurate metric of disinflation?
Part of a central bank’s challenge in setting its policy rate lies in knowing which measure of inflation to follow. From the consumer price index to the personal consumption expenditures index, different measures of inflation can tell a different story. On Friday, investors and policymakers will ... READ MORE >
U.S. inflation expectations are well anchored as Fed nears decision
American inflation expectations remain remarkably well anchored given the price shock of the past two and a half years. Our preferred measure of inflation expectations—the Federal Reserve’s five-year forward, five-year breakeven rate and the five-year forward breakeven index—imply that professional ... READ MORE >
U.S. gas prices poised to decline by 10% ahead of July 4
Traditionally, gasoline prices in the United States peak just ahead of the July 4 holiday as consumers get ready to hit the road and vacation season begins. But this year is shaping up to be a different story. Because of supply conditions and easing demand, domestic gasoline prices peaked at $3.67 per ... READ MORE >
Initial jobless claims jump as inflation continues to improve
Initial jobless claims jumped to 242,000 for the week ending June 8 from 229,000 the week before, the Labor Department reported on Thursday. The latest figure was the highest level in almost a year, nearing the threshold of 250,000 that in our view signals conditions for a possible recession. It ... READ MORE >
FOMC holds rates steady but is divided on their direction
The Federal Open Market Committee kept its policy rate in a range between 5.25% and 5.5% at its meeting on Wednesday while signaling through its dot plot forecast of interest rates that the committee would support at least one 25 basis-point rate cut this year. But the committee was split on the ... READ MORE >
Job openings fall to a three-year low as manufacturing softens
Job openings in March plunged to 8.49 million, the lowest level in three years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Wednesday. The drop was in line with our forecast that pointed to a cooling labor market where the imbalance between labor demand and supply is narrowing. Our two preferred ... READ MORE >
Hot inflation data dims prospects for a Fed rate cut in June
The U.S. consumer price index came in above expectations for March, putting the Federal Reserve in a difficult position as it seeks to starting cutting interest rates this year. Both overall and core inflation remained unchanged at 0.4% monthly, the third consecutive month that the overall CPI ... READ MORE >
U.S. jobs report: American exceptionalism amid dynamic growth
While it’s always good to identify risks to the economic outlook, too often market players mistake the condition of a few trees—there are always isolated problems—with the health of the forest. The March jobs report shows just how healthy the American labor market is, despite isolated criticisms. ... READ MORE >