CPI report shows inflation may be starting to cool


The latest consumer price index report (CPI), released Thursday, showed that inflation is starting to cool. CNBC reports that the CPI increased by 0.4 percent this month and 7.7 percent since last year, less than the predicted growth of 0.6 percent and 7.9 percent, respectively.
This is the lowest annual inflation reading since January, per CNN. In response, the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by over 800 points and the S&P 500 opened with a gain of 3.6 percent. This reflected hopes that the Federal Reserve would cut back on raising interest rates. "The report provides ammunition for the Fed to begin pricing in sub-75-basis-point tightening," explained Eric Merlis of Citizens.
While slow growth is good news, it is growth nonetheless. "This morning's CPI data were a welcome relief," commented Lorie K. Logan, of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, "But there is still a long way to go." Inflation is still expected to increase in 2023, reports The New York Times. "In categories that are necessities — shelter, food, and energy — we continue to see large and consistent increases," says Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The economy is resilient, pushing up prices consistently, so the Fed is not likely to end interest rate hikes just yet, experts say. Michael Arone at State Street Global Advisors explained, "Investors are still gullible and they are still impatiently waiting for the Powell pivot, and I'm not sure it's coming anytime soon."
Despite this, many like Neil Dutta at Renaissance Macro are hopeful. "Inflation is slowing and there is room for the good news to continue in the coming months."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Devika Rao has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022, covering science, the environment, climate and business. She previously worked as a policy associate for a nonprofit organization advocating for environmental action from a business perspective.
-
Today's political cartoons - March 27, 2025
Cartoons Thursday's cartoons - group chats, language lessons, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Playhouse Creatures: 'dream-like' play is 'lively, funny and sharp-witted'
Anna Chancellor offers a 'glinting performance' alongside a 'strong' supporting cast
By The Week UK Published
-
The CIA Book Club: 'entertaining and vivid' book explores a huge Cold War secret
The Week Recommends 'Gripping' narrative explores a covert smuggling operation across the Iron Curtain
By The Week UK Published
-
Tesla Cybertrucks recalled over dislodging panels
Speed Read Almost every Cybertruck in the US has been recalled over a stainless steel panel that could fall off
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Could a private equity deal be the end of Walgreens?
Today's Big Question The pharmacy chain will be taken private in a $10 billion deal
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
How will the Fed manage Trump's economy?
Today's Big Question Jerome Powell is 'in a bind'
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Eggs too pricey? Rent a chicken.
Under the Radar The cost of eggs increased more than 15% in January
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Crafting emporium Joann is going out of business
Speed Read The 82-year-old fabric and crafts store will be closing all 800 of its stores
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Will Trump's tariffs hurt Walmart?
Today's Big Question The world's biggest retailer 'isn't immune' to trade impacts
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Store closings could accelerate throughout 2025
Under the Radar Major brands like Macy's and Walgreens are continuing to shutter stores
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Why is the threat of stagflation rising?
Talking Points Inflation is sticky. Trump's tariffs won't help.
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published