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US: Deflation on its way
The US consumer price inflation report showed prices fell 0.4% month on month in March, dragging the annual rate of inflation down to 1.5%. This was a touch weaker than the -0.3% MoM figure expected with energy responsible for most of the decline – this component saw price falls of 5.8% MoM as gasoline prices began their long descent. Apparel was also weak (-2% MoM) while transport costs were also sharply lower (-2.9% MoM). Outside of these components there was very little upside threat. Tobacco saw the biggest gain, up 1% MoM while medical care rose 0.4%, food rose 0.3% with owners’ equivalent rent also up 0.3%. ... (full story)