U.S. Inflation Cools Faster Than Forecast—April CPI Up Just 0.2%, Slowest Annual Rise Since 2021
Wall Street breathes as inflation data undercuts expectations—again. The Fed’s favorite pain gauge hits a four-year low, giving doves ammunition to push back on rate hikes.
Behind the numbers: Gasoline and used cars dragged the index down, while shelter costs kept climbing. Traders immediately priced in higher odds of a September cut—because nothing moves markets like hopium.
The cynical take? ’Transitory’ inflation might finally be transiting—just in time for election season. How convenient.