U.S. markets unfazed by hot CPI data

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Despite the recent surge in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and better than expected PPI data, markets have shrugged off any concern… for now

Fickle

On Wednesday 10th April 2024 the CPI data announcement pushed the markets down and on Thursday 11th the markets recovered after the PPI data was better than expected.

CPI Report for March 2024

  • Both headline and core CPI rose by 0.4%, surpassing forecasts.
  • Bond markets are now cautious about potential rate cuts, shifting from a floor of three cuts to a possible ceiling.
  • Groceries’ inflation has eased, but housing costs remain a pressure point.
  • Fed policymakers closely monitor Supercore services inflation.
  • Solid wage gains continue to impact prices.

Producer Price Index (PPI)

PPI increased by 0.6% in February 2024. Expectations persist for June rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.

UK economy grew by 0.1% in February 2024

UK economy

One tenth of 1% is very little but we can at least hope the UK is on it’s on way out of recession

Let’s blame the weather

The economy grew by 0.1%, figures show, boosted by production and manufacturing in areas such as the car sector. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said that construction was dampened by wet weather.

The official ONS statistics also revised its previous estimate for January 2024 from 0.2% growth up to 0.3%.

Hunt is happy with 0.1% growth…?

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt reportedly suggested that the new figures were a “welcome sign that the economy is turning a corner”. “We can build on this progress if we stick to our plan,” he added.

That’s good then Jeremy – well done you, nice plan!

UK growth February 2024 at 0.1%

UK growth February 2024 at 0.1%