U.S. inflation data met expectations on Wednesday, reinforcing anticipation that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates steady not just at its March 18 meeting, but likely at the bank’s April meeting as well.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.3% in February, according to a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Economist forecasts had been for a rise of 0.3% and January’s increase was 0.2%.
On a year-over-year basis, CPI was higher by 2.4% against expectations of 2.4% and January’s 2.4%.
Core CPI, which excludes food and energy costs, rose 0.2% in February versus forecasts of 0.2% and January’s 0.3%. Year-over-year core CPI was higher by 2.5% versus forecasts of 2.5% and January’s 2.5%.
Under modest pressure for the morning, bitcoin
Ahead of the data, markets were pricing in a 99% probability that the Federal Reserve would leave interest rates unchanged at its March meeting next week, according to the CME FedWatch tool. For the April meeting, rate cut odds were at just 11% versus 21% one month ago.
February’s inflation data, of course, is somewhat old news given the events that have transpired since, namely the war in Iran and spiking oil prices. How much this plays into the Fed’s thinking on interest rates should become more evident following next week’s policy meeting.
