The direction is good, the end point still not

US inflation came in lower than expected with headline inflation now at 7.7% YoY while core inflation at 6.3% YoY. 

Inflationary pressures eased a touch as the deceleration in CPI was generally broad-based. Core goods turned negative for the month while core service ex rents decelerated (however this was partially due to a technical change in insurance inflation). Rents generally remains elevated, but will likely soften going forward reflecting the current state of the rental market.

Overall this was a good report which reinforces the idea that inflation has peaked and it is turning lower, however there is still no evidence we are returning to the 2% target anytime soon. Inflation has moved from core to services which is very sticky and it is mainly driven by wages. We need to see more evidence that wage inflation is cooling before we can get more comfortable with inflation. So far the labour market is still tight and wages still high. Wages will be the key to watch going forward.

The value of investments will fluctuate, which will cause prices to fall as well as rise and you may not get back the original amount you invested. Past performance is not a guide to future performance.

Carlo Putti

Job Title: Investment Director

Specialist Subjects: Macroeconomics and IG credit

Likes: MotoGP, Football and Italian pizza

Heroes: Valentino Rossi, Steve Jobs and Donald Duck

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