The UK CPI was weaker than expected in February at 2.8%yr compared to 3.0%yr in January. Core inflation edged down from 3.7%yr to 3.5%yr, but services inflation held up at 5.0%yr. However, decrease in both was mainly driven by weaker core goods inflation, while services inflation, which the BoE officials follow closely, was unchanged at 5%yr.
Financial markets reacted negatively to President Trump’s announcement of 25% tariffs on automobile imports, effective from 2 April. US and European equities sold off.
St Louis Fed President Musalem warned that inflationary impact from tariffs might be longer- lasting, prompting Fed to keep interest rates higher.
Treasury and Australian yields were higher, but Gilt yields in the UK fell as the UK government confirmed plans for public spending cuts.
US equity market recorded the steepest daily losses since mid-December and USD depreciated notably as President Trump confirmed that import tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China will go up, and a weaker manufacturing survey added to market concerns about wakening US growth.
Concerns over the US growth outlook were amplified by Friday’s weak consumer spending data. Nevertheless, a recovery in tech stocks led US equity prices higher. Government bond yields were lower, as market pricing for the fed funds rate switched to price in more interest rates cuts this year.
A drop in consumer sentiment brought fresh concerns about the US economic growth. Most major equity indices sold off and government bonds rallied, with the 10Y US Treasury yield dropping 11bp to 4.29%. Market digested news that Ukraine is going to sign a minerals deal with the US, and a confirmation from the US president that US tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports will go up next week.
