The latest report from the Labor Department revealed that consumer prices in the United States rose more than anticipated in March due to higher costs for gasoline and rental housing. This development has led financial markets to believe that the Federal Reserve will delay any plans to decrease interest rates until September.
In the twelve-month period ending in March, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) surged by 3.5%, marking the highest increase since September. This comes after a 3.2% uptick in February. Despite the Fed’s 2% inflation target, the indicators utilized for monetary policy are significantly below the pace set by the CPI.
Meanwhile, the Consumer Price Index saw a 0.4% increase last month, following a similar advance in February. Gasoline prices climbed by 1.7%, while shelter costs, encompassing rents, also rose by 0.4%.
Economists surveyed by Reuters had predicted a monthly increase of 0.3% in the CPI and a yearly rise of 3.4%.
The continuous string of robust consumer price data follows the recent news of accelerated job growth in March, coupled with a decrease in the unemployment rate to 3.8%. Fed Chair Jerome Powell has consistently emphasized the central bank’s patient approach towards reducing borrowing costs.
The persistent rise in living expenses is likely to play a significant role in the upcoming U.S. presidential election set for November 5. Phillip Neuhart, the director of market and economic research at First Citizens, noted that while the recent data does not rule out the possibility of Fed action this year, it does diminish the likelihood of an immediate cut to the overnight rate.
Notably, gasoline and shelter costs contributed significantly to the CPI’s uptick. While food prices edged up by 0.1%, grocery food inflation remained steady as the costs of butter, cereals, and bakery products decreased notably.
Conversely, prices for meats and eggs experienced an increase, alongside a modest rise in the prices of fruits and vegetables.
