What to Expect from CPI Data and the Key Dollar Levels to WatchDollar index trading in a tight range ahead of the CPI data.
US inflation is expected to rise by 0.1% on a yearly basis for both headline and core figures, reaching 2.4% and 2.9% respectively. Markets expect some of the effects of tariffs to begin showing up in this data.
There are both downside and upside risks to the release, but in our view, a slightly lower-than-expected result is more probable. Frontloading of goods before tariffs took place, slowing economic activity, downward price pressure in parts of the services sector due to weaker-than-usual tourism, lower energy costs, and ongoing disinflation suggest that the impact of tariffs may remain limited in this month’s data and possibly the next as well.
If the data remains unchanged and comes in below expectations, the initial reaction could be negative for the dollar due to rising rate cut expectations. However, unless there is a significant surprise in either direction, today’s data is unlikely to meaningfully change the Fed’s economic outlook or rate policy. The inflationary effects of tariffs are expected to appear gradually, due to the frontloading of goods ahead of the tariff implementation.
For the Dollar Index, the 97.90 and 99.10 levels will be key. If the downtrend breaks, the ongoing gradual decline of the dollar may pause, allowing for a limited rebound. However, a drop below 97.90 could trigger another leg down, similar to previous moves.
A side note on inflation:
Sometimes, year-on-year figures alone are not enough to provide a clear picture due to base effects. Starting this month, the base effect turns positive for yearly comparisons.
If inflation is to return to the 2% target steadily, month-on-month inflation needs to remain at or below 0.2%. For example, twelve consecutive months of 0.2% monthly inflation results in a 2.22% annual CPI. In contrast, twelve straight months of 0.3% monthly inflation would lead to a 3.35% annual rate.
