Fed’s preferred gauge showed core inflation at 3.0% in August, much lighter than expected
... While the annual increases were less than expected, they came as the Bureau of Economic Analysis changed the way it computes several components of the index. The BEA adjusted methodology for how it measures prices for legal services, software and computer accessories and portfolio management.
The revisions lowered the core July PCE level by 0.36 percentage point.
... “Even after major methodological revisions, PCE inflation is still running hot however you cut it,” said Sonu Varghese, global macro strategist at Carson Group. “The economy is running hot, policy remains easy, and the Fed’s challenge is figuring out how much restraint is needed. That’s a tailwind for stocks as we move into Q4.”
... “The PCE Inflation data – the Federal Reserve’s favorite – show no progress in August on inflation,” said Heather Long, chief economist at Navy Federal Credit Union. “And it’s inevitable that September will be higher. Meanwhile, American consumers are feeling the squeeze.” ...
And also today . . .
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick reports more than $250 million in income last year
What a cohencidence!
