US Core PCE Rises 0.3% in March, Inflation Remains at 3.2%
The US core PCE price index rose 0.3% (m/m) in March 2026, in line with market expectations. This key inflation measure, the Federal Reserve's benchmark, indicates persistent monthly price pressures, although it did not surprise consensus.
On an annual basis, core PCE rose 3.2% (y/y), also in line with expectations, and up from 3.0% in the previous month. This level remains well above the Fed's 2% inflation target.
For the market, this "inline" figure reduces the room for surprises, but the strong annual increase maintains the narrative that the disinflation process is not yet sufficiently consistent. This typically reinforces a more cautious policy stance, as inflation risks remain dominant in the central bank's assessment.
Consequently, the focus shifts to whether price pressures persist in subsequent releases and how quickly inflation can return to target. Regarding interest rate expectations, this data tends to support a "wait for confirmation" approach rather than providing a strong basis for aggressive easing in the near term. (gn)
Source: Newsmaker.id
