The core consumer spending price index (PCE) in the United States rose 0.3% in February compared to January, decelerating compared to the 0.5% observed in the previous month, which represents a revision of the number of 0.4% presented previously. The data was released this Friday (29) by the American Department of Commerce.
The indicator was in line with what was expected by agents consulted by Reuters, who expected an increase of 0.3%. Core PCE is the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) preferred measure of inflation and excludes changes in food and energy prices, which are considered more volatile.
As it is also a holiday in the United States, the repercussion of the data should be until next week.
Masterclass
The Most Promising Stocks on the Stock Exchange
Download a list of 10 Small Caps stocks that, in experts’ opinion, have appreciation potential in the coming months and years, and watch a free class
The annual variation of the indicator was 2.8% in the month, compared to 2.9% in January. The number was also in line with what experts consulted by Reuters expected, which was 2.8%.
On the other hand, the full indicator, which includes food and energy prices, closed February with a change of 0.3% compared to the previous month. The American Department of Commerce also announced the revision of January’s data to an increase of 0.4%, instead of 0.3%. In the last 12 months, the full number was 2.5%. For this reading, consensus projections were exactly 0.4% for the month and 2.5% for the year.
Prices of services rose 0.3%, while prices of goods increased 0.5% in February. Food prices rose slightly by 0.1% and energy prices increased by 2.3%.
Continues after advertising
In relation to February 2023, prices of services grew 3.8% and prices of goods fell 0.2%. Food inflation advanced 1.3% in this comparison, while energy prices experienced deflation: -2.3%.
Americans’ personal income increased 0.3% in February, equivalent to an increase of US$66.5 billion, according to estimates released today. Disposable personal income, which excludes taxes, rose 0.2% ($50.3 billion) and personal consumption expenditures (PCE) increased $145.5 billion (0.8%) for the month.
 rose 0.3% in February, as expected){kind=link}