2/14/25: US Economic Update: CPI, PPI, Retail Sales, and Treasury Rates

This week’s economic data provided valuable insight into the state of the consumer and inflation. The headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) accelerated to 0.5% m/m and 3.0% y/y in January. The Core CPI, which excludes the volatile food and energy sectors, jumped 0.4% m/m and 3.3% y/y.

1/31/25: Inflation, GDP, Job Market, and Fed’s Stance on Monetary Policy

Progress on inflation came into focus with the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index data from December. Headline PCE was in line with consensus expectations both on a month-over-month, at 0.3%, and on a year-over-year basis at 2.6%. The Fed’s preferred gauge, Core PCE, was unchanged from the prior month at 2.8% year-over-year. Yet, Core PCE increased from 0.1% to 0.2% month-over-month, raising some concerns over the pace of slowing inflation.

1/17/25: Inflation Moderates in December, Strengthening Fed Confidence

Market participants focused on inflation this week, along with trends in consumer spending. Inflation readings for December moderated, which should provide the Fed with more confidence in progress toward their inflation target as they approach the next policy meeting on January 28th and 29th.