The February Consumer Price Index (CPI) came in at 0.2% last month, in line with estimates and down from the 0.5% previously recorded in January. Lower energy prices were the catalysts for the lower readings. When stripping out volatile food and energy, the more closely watched Core CPI was also in line at 0.2%, leaving the year-over-year Core unchanged at 1.8%. If inflation numbers remain tame, the Fed will be hard pressed to raise the short-term Fed Funds Rate four times in 2018. This doesn’t change next week, as it appears a Fed Funds Rate hike is a lock at the FOMC meeting.
Small business optimism continued to run near record highs in February due in part to lower taxes and decreased regulations. The National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index rose to 107.6 last month as owners showed unprecedented confidence in the economy. “When small business owners have confidence and certainty in the economy, they’re able to hire more workers and invest in their business,” said NFIB President and CEO Juanita Duggan.
The shakeups at the White House continued today as Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is out with current CIA Director Mike Pompeo taking his place. Last week President Trump’s Chief Economic Adviser, Gary Cohn resigned with the leading candidate being economist Larry Kudlow from CNBC. It’s been said that Mr. Tillerson due to the failure to wield any significant influence in internal administration over issues surrounding North Korea and Russia.
