[US CPI Falls for First Time Since 2020, Core Indicator Flat] US consumer prices fell for the first time in six years in June, and a key measure of underlying inflation remained essentially flat, easing pressure on the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates to some extent. According to data released Tuesday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell 0.4% from May but rose 3.5% year-over-year. The core index, excluding food and energy, remained flat in May but rose 2.6% year-over-year. The report showed that the decline in gasoline prices in June provided some relief to consumers as the worst of the energy price shock caused by the Iran war began to subside. Federal Reserve officials are likely to welcome the data ahead of their meeting at the end of the month; however, renewed tensions between the US and Iran have led to a resurgence in oil prices, which could prolong the inflationary effects of the conflict. US stock index futures rose and Treasury yields fell as investors reduced their bets on a July rate hike by the Fed. Data showed that core inflation was subdued, mainly due to falling prices for goods such as clothing and used cars. Motor vehicle insurance premiums also fell sharply.
