The US Consumer Price Index (CPI) and jobless claims are key economic indicators that help gauge inflation trends and labor market health.

*CPI Insights:*

- The March 2025 CPI data showed a 2.4% year-over-year increase, below analysts' expectations of 2.5% and down from February's 2.8% rise.

- Core CPI, excluding food and energy prices, was 3.1% year-over-year, down from 3.3% in January.

- The decline in inflation may ease pressure on the Federal Reserve, potentially paving the way for interest rate cuts ¹.

*Jobless Claims:*

- Initial jobless claims reached 223,000 for the week ending April 5, slightly higher than the forecasted 219,000.

- Continuing claims, which track ongoing unemployment, aren't available, but the four-week average remained unchanged.

- Despite a slight increase, the labor market remains historically strong, with temp labor demand weak and job openings falling ² ³.

*Market Impact:*

- The lower-than-expected CPI can boost market sentiment, potentially leading to a rise in risk assets like cryptocurrencies.

- The S&P 500 futures were down 1.8% ahead of the CPI and jobless claims release.

- The USD Index lingered near 103.50 after the soft CPI data ¹.#CPI&JoblessClaimsWatch