Core inflation rate held at 2.9% in August, as expected, Fed's gauge shows

Core Inflation and Interest Rates - Core inflation remained stable in August, with the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index increasing by 0.3% for the month, resulting in an annual headline inflation rate of 2.7% [1] - The core PCE price level, excluding food and energy, was reported at 2.9% on an annual basis after a monthly rise of 0.2% [2] - The Federal Reserve is likely to proceed with interest rate reductions, with indications of two more quarter percentage point cuts before the end of the year [3] Consumer Spending and Economic Resilience - Personal income rose by 0.4% for the month, while personal consumption expenditures increased at a pace of 0.6%, both exceeding estimates by 0.1 percentage point [3] - Despite the impact of tariffs, consumer spending has remained strong, supported by stable income levels [4] Tariffs and Price Impact - President Trump's tariffs have had a limited effect on consumer prices, as companies have utilized pre-tariff inventory and cost-absorbing measures to mitigate price increases [4] - Fed officials suggest that tariffs may provide a one-time boost to prices rather than a sustained increase in underlying inflation [5] Market Expectations - Markets are anticipating a rate cut in October, with less certainty regarding another cut in December [6] - The Federal Open Market Committee recently approved a quarter percentage point reduction in the fed funds rate, bringing the target range to 4%-4.25% [6]