#CPI&JoblessClaimsWatch Let's break down the latest data on CPI and Jobless Claims:

*CPI (Consumer Price Index)*

- The CPI for March 2025 showed a slight decrease of 0.1% from the previous month, with a year-over-year increase of 2.4%.

- Core CPI, which excludes food and energy, rose by 0.1% month-over-month and 2.8% year-over-year.

- Energy prices dropped 2.4% in March, primarily due to a 6.3% decline in gasoline prices.

*Jobless Claims*

- Initial jobless claims for the week ending April 5, 2025, reached 223,000, aligning with expectations and showing a slight increase from the previous week's count of 219,000.

- Continuing jobless claims fell by 43,000 to 1,850,000 in the last week of March, suggesting some individuals who had been receiving unemployment benefits found employment.

- More recent data shows initial jobless claims decreased to 227,000 in the week ending July 5, 2025, below market expectations of a 2,000 increase.

*Market Impact*

- The CPI report and jobless claims data can significantly impact market sentiment, influencing stock prices and currency exchange rates.

- A cooler-than-expected CPI report can signal room for Fed rate cuts, while a hotter reading might delay easing.

- Investors and policymakers closely watch these indicators to make informed decisions and adjust their strategies accordingly ¹ ².