'Absence of data' in CPI report flashes yellow for further interest rate cuts

The first fresh inflation reading since the government shutdown showed prices unexpectedly eased in November, though the report may not immediately change the Fed’s outlook because of potential distortions in the data. “This looks like positive news overall, but the lack of detail and the absence of data collection during the shutdown introduce a degree of skepticism that’s hard to ignore,” said Olu Sonola, head of US economic research for Fitch Ratings. “We’ll need to wait until next month for a clearer ...