The measure of inflation most closely watched by the Federal Reserve slowed in February, an encouraging sign for policymakers as they consider whether to raise interest rates further to slow the economy and bring price increases under control.
The Personal Consumption Expenditures Index slowed to 5 percent on an annual basis in February, down from 5.3 percent in January. It was the lowest reading for the measure since September 2021. (Source: The New York Times)
Looking ahead to next week: Construction spending and ISM manufacturing data for February will be released on Monday, followed on Tuesday by reports on factory orders and job openings for February. On Wednesday, ADP employment data for March and U.S. trade balance figures for February will be released. On Thursday, initial and continuing jobless claims data will be released. On Friday, U.S. employment figures for March will be released. (Source: MarketWatch.com)
