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Saturday Dec 6 2025 00:00
2 min
A key report released by the US Commerce Department on Friday revealed that inflation in September came in lower than anticipated. This report, delayed due to the government shutdown, signals a potential green light for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates in the near future.
Key Takeaways:
The headline figure, the core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, suggests that inflationary pressures may be easing. Federal Reserve officials closely monitor this index to guide monetary policy decisions. While they consider both headline and core data, the core measure is widely viewed as a more accurate indicator of long-term inflation trends.
The recent government shutdown halted data collection and economic reporting, resulting in a delay in the release of this important report. The timing of the next PCE report has yet to be rescheduled, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the economic outlook.
Signs of slowing consumer spending suggest that the US economy, heavily reliant on consumer expenditure, may have already been decelerating prior to the October 1st government shutdown. While there were reports of strong 'Black Friday' sales, this was largely driven by discounts and growing anxiety about the job market.
However, separate data released on Friday showed an improvement in consumer confidence in early December. The rise in the University of Michigan index reflects increased optimism about personal financial prospects, driven by improved inflation expectations.
The weaker-than-expected inflation data may provide the Federal Reserve with ammunition to hold off on further interest rate hikes, or even begin to consider rate cuts in the future. However, Fed officials will closely monitor other economic data and global developments before making any definitive decisions.
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