Group 1: CPI Overview - The US CPI for April decreased slightly to 2.3% year-on-year, down from 2.4%, below Bloomberg's expectation of 2.4%[1] - Core CPI remained stable at 2.8%, matching Bloomberg's forecast[1] - CPI month-on-month increased by 0.2%, lower than the expected 0.3%[1] Group 2: Structural Analysis of CPI - Food prices fell from 0.4% to -0.1% month-on-month, reducing its contribution to CPI from 0.06 percentage points to -0.01[2] - Energy prices rose from -2.4% to 0.7%, contributing 0.04 percentage points to CPI, up from -0.15[2] - Core goods prices increased from -0.1% to 0.1%, contributing 0.01 percentage points to CPI, up from -0.02[3] Group 3: Federal Reserve's Stance - The inflation performance supports the Federal Reserve's wait-and-see approach, as the economy shows no signs of stagflation[4] - The Fed is unlikely to cut rates until there is clear evidence of deteriorating employment or consumer spending data[5] - Current market expectations suggest the first rate cut may occur in September, with a total of two cuts anticipated for the year[5]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent trends in the US Consumer Price Index (CPI), highlighting that the CPI has been slightly below market expectations for two consecutive months, indicating a potential easing of inflationary pressures [2][5][9]. CPI Overview - In April, the CPI year-on-year decreased from 2.4% to 2.3%, below Bloomberg's expectation of 2.4%, while the core CPI remained steady at 2.8% [2][9]. - The CPI and core CPI have reached their lowest levels since the second quarter of 2021 [2][9]. - Month-on-month, the CPI increased by 0.2%, lower than the expected 0.3%, and the previous value of -0.1% [2][9]. Structural Analysis of CPI - The month-on-month increase in CPI was primarily influenced by low base effects, with energy, core goods, and super core services prices shifting from decline to increase [3][12]. - Food prices saw a significant drop, with a month-on-month change from 0.4% to -0.1%, largely due to the fading impact of avian influenza, leading to a 12.7% decrease in egg prices [3][12]. - Energy prices rebounded from -2.4% to 0.7%, driven by a 3.7% increase in gas service prices, despite a slight decrease in gasoline prices [3][12][13]. - Core goods prices shifted from -0.1% to 0.1%, with contributions from furniture, medical supplies, and entertainment goods [4][13]. - Rent growth remained stable, with primary residence rent unchanged at 0.3% [4][13]. - Super core services prices increased from -0.24% to 0.21%, with significant contributions from hotel accommodations and car rentals [4][14]. Federal Reserve's Stance - The current economic fundamentals in the US appear healthy, with no evident signs of stagflation, and private sector consumption demand remains strong [5][16]. - The Federal Reserve is likely to maintain a "wait and see" approach, as inflation has been stable and slightly below expectations for two months [5][16][17]. - Despite a significant reduction in tariffs between the US and China, the overall tariff rate remains high at nearly 41%, creating uncertainty in future negotiations [5][16][17]. - Market expectations for interest rate cuts have been adjusted, with the first anticipated cut now pushed to September [17]. Market Reactions - Following the Geneva talks between the US and China, a "risk on" mode was observed in the market, although caution is advised regarding the optimism surrounding tariff negotiations [6][17]. - The CPI report has led to stable market expectations for interest rate cuts, with the futures market slightly adjusting the anticipated number of cuts for the year [17].