Date- June 13, 2023
Place- New Delhi, India
The Consumer Price Index (CPI), a measure of the changing cost of consumer goods and services, is closely watched by the Central Bank in its aim to maintain stable prices. A CPI figure that surpasses forecasts boosts the US Dollar, whereas a figure that falls short weakens it.
Recent predictions hint that overall inflation may slow down in May, but core inflation (which removes the influence of food and energy costs) is likely to exceed the Federal Reserve’s target. Despite a significant decrease in overall inflation since last summer, core inflation has persisted within a narrow range, a pattern not expected to change soon.
The CPI report for May, to be issued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on June 13, will play a crucial role in informing the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decision later this week. According to estimates, May’s CPI is likely to show a 0.2% monthly and a 4.1% annual increase in overall inflation, a slowdown from the previous month’s 0.4% and 4.9% respective growth rates.
Core inflation, in contrast, is expected to have risen by 0.4% monthly and 5.2% annually. An annual inflation rate of 4.1% would mark the slowest yearly growth since April 2021, but still significantly overshoots the Federal Reserve’s 2% target.
The Federal Reserve has been incrementally raising interest rates to manage inflation. However, too swift a hike could potentially tip the economy into a recession. Hence, it may pause these increases, continuing to monitor incoming data before its June meeting.
The CPI report, along with robust data from May’s job report and readings from the service and manufacturing sectors, will guide the Federal Reserve’s decisions. The markets on Monday estimated a 75% probability that the Federal Reserve would hold steady on rates in June, even though they have raised interest rates at their last 10 meetings.
The May CPI report carries significant weight in the Federal Reserve’s decisions, according to Citi Research. They warn that a 0.4% monthly increase in line with their forecasts could be sufficient to push the Fed towards another hike. Other key indicators, like used car prices, are expected to rise, backing a strong core CPI figure.
However, banks like Wells Fargo anticipate the Fed to maintain rates this week, with the possibility of another increase in July. Oxford Economics concurs, with little data suggesting the Fed will deviate from its proposed pause at the upcoming Federal Open Market Committee meeting.
Even if the core inflation figures are higher than expected, the Fed is more concerned with the overall trend, which is expected to decline in the second half of the year.
The effects on Indian Rupee:
Moving overseas, the Indian rupee is expected to slightly strengthen before the release of key U.S. inflation data, which could significantly impact the Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates. Despite a weak offshore Chinese yuan, the Indian rupee remains attractive, with its inflation figures supporting this strength. However, the impact of the U.S. data remains to be seen.
The future of the Federal Reserve’s interest rates will become clearer following the release of the U.S. inflation data, and currently, there is only a one in four chance that the Fed will raise rates. A higher-than-expected inflation rate could, however, bring a rate rise back into play. The financial markets seem unfazed, with the S&P 500 index reaching its highest point since April 2022.
In addition to the CPI, the Federal Reserve is also monitoring other economic indicators. It will closely look at employment data and wage growth, as these factors can fuel inflation by increasing spending power and consumer demand. The jobs market has been strong recently, adding weight to the argument for a hike. The latest jobs report showed robust growth, a promising sign for the economy.
Analysts will also be closely watching comments from Federal Reserve officials for any hints about future rate moves. Any mention of ‘hawkish’ or ‘dovish’ tendencies could significantly impact market sentiment. ‘Hawkish’ implies favoring higher interest rates to control inflation, while ‘dovish’ signals a preference for lower interest rates to stimulate economic growth.
Moreover, global economic factors will also play a role in the Federal Reserve’s decision. The ongoing tensions between the US and China and uncertainties surrounding international trade could put downward pressure on the economy and inflation, causing the Fed to take a more cautious approach.
On the Indian front, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is also likely to take cues from the US Federal Reserve. A decision to pause rate hikes by the Fed could encourage the RBI to keep rates steady, as higher rates in the US compared to India could lead to capital outflows from the country.
Looking at sector-specific indicators, Bank of America highlighted that the rise in used car prices has been a notable contributor to the strong core CPI figure. It is an important trend to watch, as higher used car prices can indicate increased consumer spending and economic activity.
Additionally, the ongoing global supply chain issues, which have led to higher costs for many goods, may also influence inflation rates in the coming months. Any improvement in this area could potentially ease inflationary pressures.
Despite the current focus on the CPI and inflation, it is crucial to remember that the Federal Reserve considers a wide array of data when making its policy decisions. Therefore, it is vital for investors and observers to consider the broader economic picture when interpreting these individual reports and forecasts.
Finally, it is important to note that while financial markets seem confident, with the S&P 500 reaching record highs, market sentiment can shift quickly if unexpected data comes to light. Therefore, investors are advised to stay alert and closely follow updates on economic indicators and Federal Reserve decisions.
Disclaimer: CurrencyVeda provides information for educational purposes only. The content does not constitute financial advice or recommendation. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Readers should conduct their own research or consult with a professional financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
