A fresh unexpected surge in inflation blindsided markets, shattering hopes for imminent Fed rate cuts and sending stocks down across the board. In March 2024, the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate surged to 3.5%, up from February’s 3.2%, surpassing expectations set at 3.4%. Adding to concerns, core inflation, which excludes energy and food, also exceeded expectations, reaching 3.8% compared to the anticipated 3.7%, dismissing any justifications solely attributed to higher gasoline price pressures. Consequently, investors sharply revised down their expectations for Fed rate cuts, now anticipating the commencement of any easing policy no earlier than September, with less than two rate cuts expected by year-end. What’s Hot/Cold In The CPI Basket? Expenditure categories witnessing the highest month-over-month seasonally adjusted price increase in March were: Motor vehicle insurance: +2.6% Motor vehicle maintenance and repair: +1.7% Gasoline (all types): +1.7% Hospital services: +1% Meats, poultry, fish, and eggs: +0.9% Those showing the lowest monthly inflation were: Fuel oil: down 1.3% Used cars and trucks: down 1.1% Cereals and bakery ...