US reported Feb CPI (inflation) data: +0.4% mom and +3.2% yoy
Core CPI: +0.4% mom and +3.8% yoy
Slightly ahead, which makes it more difficult for Fed to cut rates.
However, is the data a bit inflated? I say possible.
Here is another inflation gauge by Truflation: only +1.64% yoy in March; below 2% in Feb
It’s true that US economy is stronger than most other places around the world.
However, it’s hard not to think that maybe there are some political reasons to “influence” CPI, which can influence Fed decision. After all, Fed is “data dependent”. See this post (Fed is bullied by the market – why?) as well.
Some elements from official CPI data can be more easily to “influence” e.g. used cars.
I will just stop there.