Inflation Watch A mid-month focus on inflation via Traditional Indexes, Commodity Prices, and Labor Costs

The latest batch of softer than expected inflation figures gives the Fed more cover for a rate cut. Consumer inflation expectations are now the lowest in two years. Housing price increases remain critical to overall inflation.

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The latest CPI numbers are slightly lower than market expectations. Oil prices need to be watched closely as further oil weakness would likely drag down inflation expectations too. Concerns about new tariffs causing higher inflation are misplaced.

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The latest CPI numbers are largely in line with market expectations. The recent rebound in oil prices certainly helped the recovery in inflation expectations. Recent U.S. economic numbers have been decent overall and the latest uptick in the U.S. ISM index also offers support for inflation.

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The latest CPI numbers were slight misses and at the bottom end of their contemporary ranges. The recent rally of risk assets might be the only tail wind we can find for future inflation. The stark difference in durable and non-durable goods inflation is an excellent study in globalization.

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The latest CPI numbers are largely in line with market expectations. The Fed pause and other central bank easing moves are positive for risk markets. Watch cyclicals/defensive relative performance and ISM for near term direction.

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The latest CPI numbers matched market expectations. Lower oil and stock prices are disinflationary. China will lead the U.S. in inflation and currencies.

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Lower oil prices are dragging down the headline number. Markets are urging the Fed to take a pause in hiking. Core inflation remains in a healthy, tight range. Wealth effect concerns may drag on future price increases.

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The latest CPI numbers matched market expectations. Lower oil and a strong dollar are disinflationary. Cooling trend in the housing market is worth close monitoring. Global inflation surprises provide supportive backdrop.

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The latest CPI numbers missed market expectations. The problem is not with the actual CPI numbers, but merely the fact that market expectations are still a tad too high. More disconcerting is the cool trend in housing inflation.

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 Both Headline and Core CPI figures came in below expectations and backed off their contemporary highs. The overall inflation picture is little changed and the market is still pricing in two more 2018 rate hikes. Inflation in Goods is starting to catch up to Services.

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The year-over-year headline number was in line with market expectations. Inflation has taken a back seat to trade war and the market seems complacent about the potential impact of trade war. Trump is right to talk down the dollar as a stronger dollar is disinflationary.

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The year-over-year headline number was in line with market expectations but the month-over-month increase missed market consensus (0.1% vs. 0.2% expected). All else being equal, there is a good chance CPI might have peaked for 2018. A stronger dollar is disinflationary while the short term impact of tariffs is higher import prices.

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Headline and Core CPI figures hit estimates right on the nose in May, continuing the trend of modest but not outrageous price increases. Energy prices have boosted headline CPI while core CPI continues to be driven by services. With both of the Fed’s mandates pretty much accomplished, appreciate this rare window of time.

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We have seen a string of in-line/slightly subpar inflation numbers (including wages) both here in the US and overseas. Two countervailing market forces are at work too: a resurgent dollar and higher oil/commodities prices. Financial conditions would tighten quite a bit if both the dollar and the real yields are up significantly.

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Despite the rare decline in the monthly reading, overall inflation trends are positive and in-line with expectations. A break-out on the upside has not happened yet. Inflation break-even rates are also well within the recent range. The overall picture for inflation is positive but uncertainties are higher.

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The latest headline and core numbers are in-line with expectations. The breakeven rate retreated from the resistance level but the yield curve flattened again. Despite the overall mixed bag of macro data, there are more positive signs for inflation.We have been recommending patience when it comes to inflation because overall inflation trend is still pretty well contained.

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The headline and Core CPI numbers for January both came in hotter than expected. Despite the resurrected interest and concerns about inflation we still haven’t caught inflation fever. Because of the narrative (correct or not) look for increased volatility surrounding inflation announcements.

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The latest Core CPI number beat expectations but the yield curve flattened. The market shows more conviction about the Fed’s rate hikes than longer term inflation. We recommend patience and we don’t believe missing out on the first few months of higher inflation will cost us dearly.

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The latest Core CPI number disappointed again. The divergence between inflation break-evens and the yield curve is puzzling. Given the lack of inflationary pressure and the Fed’s projected rate path, it would not surprise us to see a flatter curve without the help of fiscal stimulus in the next few months.

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The latest CPI numbers are in-line with expectations. The divergence between inflation break-evens and the yield curve is worth close monitoring. Given that the global recovery is still intact, we don’t think the current inflation picture justifies the flatness of the yield curve.

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