BY: MARSHALL BARTLETT
Senior Vice President / Portfolio Manager
(615) 591-0611 mbartlett@argenttrust.com
Announced this morning, the Consumer Price Index fell 0.1% in March, slightly lower than the flat reading expected by economists. The index increased 2.4% on an annual basis as expected. The core rate, which excludes food and energy prices, increased 0.2% for the month and has increased 2.1% year over year, matching forecasts. Gas prices held down the core rate while shelter and medical care services supported the increase in the core.
Overall, inflation remains in check, but is now in the 2% range for the core, which has been previously noted as a target by the Federal Reserve. They likely remain on track for measured rate increases in the months ahead, assuming inflationary pressures don’t push higher from here. Equity futures are lower this morning, again following the news out of Washington (talk of potential missile strikes in Syria). The upcoming earnings season could help by steering focus back to company results in the weeks ahead.
This information has been prepared by Argent Trust to highlight issues which may be of interest to the recipient and is not intended as legal, investment or tax advice. You are urged to seek legal, tax and accounting counsel for your particular situation before acting on topics discussed here. At Argent Trust, we assist our clients in managing and enhancing their wealth. Please call us at 615.591.0044 with questions or to schedule a meeting. © 2018 Argent Financial.
