Following the release of the PCE Index figures, which the Federal Reserve prefers as its key inflation metric, the data indicates a slight increase in inflation for the third quarter. Nonetheless, market sentiment remains unchanged, and the prediction that the Federal Reserve is on track to implement rate cuts this year holds firm. Saddled along with the PCE Index, we also have the Personal Income & Spending reports which have indicated the economy is still expanding, and the GDP estimates have also corroborated the reports with their own solid pre-release numbers.  PCE Index Prices in the U.S. rose slightly in…

The week after the inflation data reports was expected to be relatively quiet, with the most significant event being a meeting with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. He remained tight-lipped about when rate cuts would happen, but given his demeanor, he did not deny that rate cuts were on the way — simply that he would not indicate when they would arrive. This has only confirmed to lending partners and the broader market that they were right to feel optimistic that rate cuts are possible before the end of the year. There were a few cyclical reports released, with the…

With lofty expectations, the CPI delivered a lower-than-expected inflation increase, leading to a positive uptake across many lending partners and markets. However, the PPI was on the opposite end of that, with a higher-than-expected inflation rate increase, muting the positive response from the CPI data release. The outlook for a rate cut this year has changed, making the potential for it highly likely. Even Jerome Powell, who usually has a more hawkish response regarding rate cuts, is now leaving some room for this possibility. With the outlooks in favor of a rate cut, we’re seeing the impact across many markets as…