According to a recent University of Michigan survey, US consumer sentiment witnessed a dip in April, coinciding with heightened household expectations regarding inflation over the next year. This development potentially influences the Federal Reserve’s decision regarding interest rate adjustments, with speculation emerging that rate cuts could be postponed until September.
The survey findings come on the heels of earlier data this week, revealing consumer price increases exceeding expectations for the third consecutive month. Against the backdrop of a robust labor market, this trend has prompted financial markets and many economists to revise their projections. The prevailing consensus now leans towards the anticipation of the first Fed rate cut in September, rather than June, with expectations of a total of two cuts as opposed to three.
However, indications suggest that inflationary pressures may not be spiraling out of control. Moderate growth in producer prices observed last month, coupled with data indicating a near standstill in import prices (excluding fuel) in March following an earlier surge this year, provide reassurance.
Eugenio Aleman, chief economist at Raymond James, remarked, “While the rise in inflation expectations isn’t ideal for the Fed, it remains consistent with recent trends and doesn’t suggest a major break from expectations.”
