CPI Data Today:

The U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for April 2025 is scheduled to be released today, Tuesday, May 13, at 8:30 AM Eastern Time (5:30 PM Pakistan Standard Time) by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Expected CPI Trends for April 2025

Headline CPI (Year-over-Year): Economists anticipate a 2.3% increase, marking the lowest inflation rate since February 2021.

Core CPI (Excluding Food and Energy): Expected to remain steady at 2.8% annually, indicating stable underlying inflation pressures.

Monthly Changes: A 0.2% rise in headline CPI and a 0.3% increase in core CPI are forecasted, reversing the slight declines observed in March.

Potential Influences on Inflation

The recent implementation of tariffs on Chinese imports, particularly those enacted in February, may begin to affect consumer prices. Economists suggest that while the immediate impact on April's CPI data might be limited due to businesses' preemptive inventory strategies, the full effects could become more pronounced in the coming months.

Federal Reserve's Perspective

The Federal Reserve is closely monitoring inflation trends, especially in light of recent tariff-induced pressures. While the Fed has maintained interest rates steady since December 2024, it remains vigilant about potential shifts in inflation dynamics, particularly if price increases extend into the services sector.