Analysis: Concerns Persist Over February Core Inflation Resilience, Sub-Index 'Super Core' Expected to Cool Down

BlockBeats News, March 12th, Bank of Montreal (BMO) analysts in Canada believe that Wednesday's CPI report will be a key indicator of whether the Federal Reserve can achieve its 2% inflation target, providing important guidance for February's PCE forecast. Economists expect a 0.3% increase in core CPI, lower than last month, but still high enough to raise concerns that inflation may be more persistent than expected. While such data is not ideal for the Fed, it will not disrupt the overall narrative of inflation slowdown, thus keeping the possibility of multiple rate cuts this year unchanged.

In addition to overall inflation data, investors will also focus on housing services and non-housing "super core" inflation sub-items, which Powell has identified as areas needing continued progress. Both are expected to show signs of cooling, although they remain at historically high levels. However, even if inflation exceeds expectations, a comprehensive assessment will also require Thursday's PPI data, which played a key role last month in alleviating market concerns about unexpectedly strong CPI. (FXStreet)