Consumer Price Growth Slows, Potential Relief for Fed Rate Decisions

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed a slight and unexpected dip in May, suggesting potential price relief for consumers and raising questions about the timing of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. Annual inflation eased to 3.3% from 3.4% in April, below expectations. Monthly inflation was flat, the lowest since July 2022, and core CPI, excluding food and energy, increased by 0.2%, the lowest since October. These figures indicate a possible normalization of inflation, which could influence the Fed’s future rate decisions, though rates are expected to remain unchanged for now.