Official data from the U.S. Census Bureau showed an increase in inflation rates in the United States during March, primarily driven by rising energy prices. However, the reading came in below market expectations, indicating a mixed pace of inflationary pressures in recent times.
According to the data, annual inflation recorded 3.3% in March, which is slightly below expectations that pointed to a rate of 3.4%. Nevertheless, it represents a notable increase compared to the previous reading of 2.4% in February, reflecting a partial return of price pressures.
On a monthly basis, the Consumer Price Index – one of the most prominent measures of inflation – rose by 0.9% during March, which is also slightly lower than the expectations of 1.0%, after having recorded an increase of 0.3% in the previous month, indicating a relative acceleration in the pace of monthly price increases.
As for core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices and is considered a more accurate indicator of the general trend in prices, it recorded 2.6% on an annual basis, compared to expectations of 2.7%, and a previous reading of 2.5%.
On a monthly level, core inflation remained at 0.2%, which is lower than estimates that suggested an increase to 0.3%, reflecting a relative slowdown in core inflationary pressures.
According to the data, annual inflation recorded 3.3% in March, which is slightly below expectations that pointed to a rate of 3.4%. Nevertheless, it represents a notable increase compared to the previous reading of 2.4% in February, reflecting a partial return of price pressures.
On a monthly basis, the Consumer Price Index – one of the most prominent measures of inflation – rose by 0.9% during March, which is also slightly lower than the expectations of 1.0%, after having recorded an increase of 0.3% in the previous month, indicating a relative acceleration in the pace of monthly price increases.
As for core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices and is considered a more accurate indicator of the general trend in prices, it recorded 2.6% on an annual basis, compared to expectations of 2.7%, and a previous reading of 2.5%.
On a monthly level, core inflation remained at 0.2%, which is lower than estimates that suggested an increase to 0.3%, reflecting a relative slowdown in core inflationary pressures.