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What Does January Inflation Data Mean for Interest Rates?

What Does January Inflation Data Mean for Interest Rates?

The Consumer Price Index, the broadest measure of consumer prices, rose more than expected in January.

  • It was up 3.1% annually.
  • That is lower than in December when it was 3.3% but higher than expected by financial markets.

Why it matters: Inflation remains above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target rate.

Be smart: The Federal Reserve looks closely at core prices, which strip out volatile elements like food and energy. That metric rose 3.9% on an annual basis.

Big picture: January’s data likely means the Fed will continue holding interest rates steady in the coming months as it allows more time for previous rate increases to lower inflation.