New York, NY – The consumer price index (CPI) in the United States rose more than expected in December, indicating a higher level of inflation. The CPI increased by 0.3% last month compared to November, with a year-over-year increase of 3.4%. This exceeded economists’ expectations, as they had predicted a 0.2% rise in December and a 3.2% increase year over year.
However, the core CPI, which excludes food and energy prices, remained in line with expectations, suggesting a potential easing of pricing pressures. The CPI report, which shows the rate of inflation, can also impact investors’ perceptions of future interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.
Barclays Private Bank’s chief market strategist, Julien Lafargue, believes that the December CPI reading can help traders realize that they may be expecting interest rate cuts too early. Lafargue suggests that an upside surprise in the CPI may prompt markets to align with the Fed’s narrative that rate cuts will come, but not in the immediate future.
In other news, Citigroup shares fell more than 1% after the bank announced a possible quarterly loss due to charges related to the decline of the Argentine peso and restructuring moves. Additionally, KB Home saw its stock drop more than 2% following the release of its fourth-quarter results, which showed a decrease in the average selling price of homes.
Furthermore, Australia’s trade data revealed that imports dropped 7.9% in November, exceeding expectations. In contrast, exports rose by 1.7%, with shipments of coal, coke, and briquettes driving the growth. The country’s S&P/ASX 200 index gained 0.50% by the end of the trading day.
The Bank of Korea maintained its benchmark lending rate at 3.50% for the eighth consecutive time in an effort to manage inflation. South Korea’s central bank aims to bring inflation down to 2% by the end of 2024 or early 2025.
Finally, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved rule changes that allow for the creation of bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States. This decision has the potential to reshape the dynamics of cryptocurrency investments and attract institutional investors. The approval of spot bitcoin ETFs may result in a more stable and liquid crypto market, which would be a positive development for the digital finance ecosystem.
In conclusion, the CPI in the United States rose more than expected in December, exceeding economists’ predictions. Citigroup and KB Home both faced challenges, while Australia experienced a decline in imports and an increase in exports. The Bank of Korea maintained its benchmark lending rate, and the SEC’s approval of bitcoin ETFs could have a significant impact on the cryptocurrency market.