High inflation in the US has eased more than expected. In March, consumer prices rose 5.0 percent from the same month last year, the Department of Labor announced in Washington on Wednesday. It is the lowest increase since May 2021. Analysts had expected inflation to fall to an average of 5.1 percent. In February that was still 6.0 percent.
Month-on-month, consumer prices rose by 0.1 percent in March. Here, 0.2 percent was expected.
Core inflation, on the other hand, rose as expected to 5.6 percent. In February that was still 5.5 percent. Core inflation eliminates volatile energy and food prices.
Inflation data takes center stage because it is of great importance to the monetary policy of the US Federal Reserve. Most recently, financial markets expected a policy rate hike of 0.25 percentage point in May. But an unchanged interest rate cannot be ruled out either. It is still uncertain to what extent the recent banking turmoil will affect lending and inflation. (saw/sda/awp/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
