What to know : February CPI rose 0.3% for the month and 2.4% year-over-year, in line with market forecasts. Markets continue to expect no Fed rate cuts at the central bank's upcoming March and April meetings. Bitcoin was trading at $69,500 following the news, down 1.2% over the past 24 hours.
U.S. inflation data met expectations on Wednesday, reinforcing anticipation that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates steady not just at its March 18 meeting, but likely at the bank's April meeting as well.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.3% in February, according to a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Economist forecasts had been for a rise of 0.3% and January's increase was 0.2%.
On a year-over-year basis, CPI was higher by 2.4% against expectations of 2.4% and January's 2.4%.
Core CPI, which excludes food and energy costs, rose 0.2% in February versus forecasts of 0.2% and January's 0.3%. Year-over-year core CPI was higher by 2.5% versus forecasts of 2.5% and January's 2.5%.
Under modest pressure for the morning, bitcoin was trading at $69,500 in the minutes following the report, lower by 1.2% over the past 24 hours.
Ahead of the data, markets were pricing in a 99% probability that the Federal Reserve would leave interest rates unchanged at its March meeting next week, according to the CME FedWatch tool. For the April meeting, rate cut odds were at just 11% versus 21% one month ago.
February's inflation data, of course, is somewhat old news given the events that have transpired since, namely the war in Iran and spiking oil prices. How much this plays into the Fed's thinking on interest rates should become more evident following next week's policy meeting.
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