Consumer Price Index (CPI)
This morning’s major economic news came from the release of May’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) that showed consumer level inflation rose further last month, touching its highest annual rate since April 2023. The monthly overall reading rose 0.5% while the more relevant core data that excludes volatile food and energy costs was up 0.2%. Forecasts had them up 0.5% and 0.3% respectively. On an annual basis, the core reading moved up to a 2.9% pace. With exception to the slightly softer than predicted monthly core reading, there were no big surprises in the release. Even though the headline annual numbers are concerning for the bond market, they were expected. Accordingly, we are seeing a muted response to the data.