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US Inflation Moderates, Boosting Global Market Optimism

Cooling consumer prices spur record highs in US stock indexes and raise hopes for Federal Reserve rate cuts.

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An inside view of the diner restaurant in Key Largo, United States on May 8, 2024.
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Federal Reserve Bank Chair Jerome Powell announces that interest rates will remain unchanged on May 01, 2024 in Washington, DC. On Tuesday, he suggested that inflation has proved stickier than expected.

Overview

  • US consumer prices rose 3.4% year-over-year in April, slightly below March's 3.5%.
  • Core inflation, excluding food and energy, also saw a decrease, marking the slowest pace since early 2021.
  • The S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit record highs, driven by optimism for potential rate cuts.
  • Bond yields fell as investors adjusted expectations for Federal Reserve policy changes.
  • Retail sales data showed signs of a slowing economy, adding to the case for potential rate cuts.