Brian Jacobsen, chief economic strategist at Annex Wealth Management, said
monthly core CPI again printed 0.3%. He warned headline CPI remains elevated and
recent oil-price moves have fed into core inflation. Chicago Fed president
Austan Goolsbee, who does not have a Fed vote this year, flagged AI-driven
demand as a potential force the Fed may need to restrain — a view that may
mirror other officials. Fed Governor Waller said he may support a larger rate
hike. Officials are increasingly worried AI investment could crowd resources and
raise input and hiring costs, including for skilled trades such as plumbers and
electricians, adding upward pressure on prices.