Core Points - The PCE price index in the U.S. accelerated in June, reaching a year-to-date high, which has dampened expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut in September [1][4] - The overall PCE price index rose by 2.6% year-on-year, exceeding the expected 2.5%, with a month-on-month increase of 0.3% [1][3] - The core PCE price index, excluding food and energy, increased by 2.8% year-on-year, also above the expected 2.7%, marking the highest level since February [3][4] Inflation and Consumer Spending - The rise in the PCE price index is attributed to higher gasoline prices and companies passing on tariff-related costs to consumers, with energy prices up by 0.9% in June [3][4] - Consumer spending, which accounts for over two-thirds of U.S. economic activity, grew by 0.3% in June, below the expected 0.4% [4] - Economists note that inventory accumulation by businesses has not yet been fully digested, and the impact of tariffs on prices has not been fully realized [4] Federal Reserve's Position - The Federal Reserve maintained its benchmark interest rate at 4.25%-4.50%, resisting pressure for a rate cut from President Trump [4] - The latest inflation report complicates the Fed's path towards potential rate cuts, as officials seek more evidence of inflation returning to the 2% target [4][5] - Fed Chairman Jerome Powell emphasized the importance of addressing price increases without causing long-term inflation or unnecessary harm to the labor market [5]