The U.S. Federal Reserve's preferred inflation measure elevated sharply in February

The core personal consumption expenditures price index climbed 0.4%—the largest monthly spike since January 2024—while consumer spending growth fell short of expectations.

The U.S. Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure posted a sharper-than-anticipated increase in February, with the core personal consumption expenditures price index (PCE price index) climbing 0.4%—the largest monthly spike since January 2024—while consumer spending growth fell short of expectations, the Commerce Department reported on Friday.

The core PCE price index, which excludes volatile food and energy costs, pushed the annual inflation rate to 2.8%, remaining above the Fed’s 2% target. Overall, PCE prices went up 0.3% for the month and 2.5% year-over-year, driven by persistent increases in services and goods costs, including health care, financial services, and recreational goods. The data shows ongoing inflationary pressures complicating the central bank’s path to rate cuts.

Consumer spending, a key driver of economic activity, grew just 0.4% in February to $87.8 billion, less than the $88.0 billion analysts expected. Gains were largely seen in spending on goods at $56.3 billion—specifically, motor vehicles and recreational items—while services outlays turned up $31.5 billion. However, spending on food services, accommodation away from home, and gasoline declined, partially offsetting the growth. Real PCE, or PCE adjusted for inflation, edged up a mere 0.1%, signaling weak demand amid high prices.

Financial markets reacted sharply to the report, with all major U.S. stock indices trading lower following the news. Bitcoin (BTC) price plunged to an intraday low of $83,920 per unit as investors booked profits from crypto assets. Gold, a traditional hedge against inflation, held firm at $3,071 per ounce at 11:30 a.m. ET on Friday as it signaled economic uncertainty.

The Commerce Department also noted that personal income went up 0.8% in February, supported by strong wage growth and an increase in government transfer receipts, like health insurance subsidies. Disposable income went up 0.9%, and real disposable income went up 0.5%. Finally, the personal saving rate remained at 4.6% in February, suggesting that households are still exercising caution with their spending amid sticky inflation.

In January, income growth was revised downward. From prior reports, wages are now seen rising 0.2% in January, and farm proprietors’ income is estimated to have decreased by $33.9 billion. The decrease in farm income was mainly due to a lower contribution from government programs, specifically, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL) payments, which are included in net interest paid by government. These programs provided aid to businesses and farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the adjustment in January’s income data resulted in a downward revision to the 4Q2023 GDP growth to 0.6% quarter-over-quarter.

The report comes ahead of the crucial Fed policy meeting in April, where officials will be weighing resilient inflation against signs of moderating consumer momentum and a potential slowdown in the labor market. The Commerce Department added that updated March data on income and spending will be released on April 30.