US core PCE inflation unexpectedly rises

(Sharecast News) - The annual rate of US core personal consumption expenditures (PCE) inflation unexpectedly rose in February, according to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis on Friday, while personal incomes increased more than forecast. The year-on-year change in the core PCE index, which excludes volatile food and energy items, increased to 2.8% last month, up from 2.7% in January and ahead of economists' predictions for no change.

The monthly change in the core PCE index was 0.4%, picking up from the 0.3% growth registered the month before and ahead of the 0.3% expected by the market.

However, the headline PCE index remained steady at 0.3% month-on-month and 2.5% year-on-year - in line with expectations.

Meanwhile, personal incomes rose by 0.8% in February, marking the strongest rate of monthly growth since January 2024. This was up from the revised 0.7% increase registered in January and the 0.4% consensus forecast.

Personal spending bounced back by 0.4% after falling 0.3% previously, though missed the 0.5% increase expected.