Core Inflation Steady at 2.9% in August, Supporting Fed’s Rate Cut Path

Mark Eisenberg
Photo: Finoracle.net

August’s inflation and economic data reinforce the Federal Reserve’s path toward measured interest rate reductions. Core inflation stability combined with robust consumer income and spending suggests the economy is weathering tariff pressures better than anticipated. !-- wp:paragraph -->

  • Opportunities: Continued consumer resilience may support steady economic growth and allow for gradual monetary easing.
  • Risks: Persistent inflation above the Fed’s 2% target could limit the scope and pace of future rate cuts.
  • Market Impact: Positive investor sentiment driven by steady inflation and clear Fed guidance.
  • Policy Outlook: Two additional quarter-point rate cuts are likely, but cautious Fed messaging tempers expectations for aggressive easing.
Impact: The data supports a steady reduction in interest rates by the Federal Reserve, balancing inflation control with economic growth, and underpins positive market sentiment heading into the final quarter of 2025. !-- wp:paragraph --> Fed Chair Jerome Powell and other policymakers view tariffs as a transient factor rather than a driver of sustained inflation. However, some remain cautious, noting limited room for further cuts amid persistent inflation above target. !-- wp:paragraph --> Market reactions to the data were positive: stock futures advanced while Treasury yields declined slightly, reflecting investor confidence in the Fed’s gradual easing strategy. !-- wp:paragraph -->

FinOracleAI — Market View

August’s inflation and economic data reinforce the Federal Reserve’s path toward measured interest rate reductions. Core inflation stability combined with robust consumer income and spending suggests the economy is weathering tariff pressures better than anticipated. !-- wp:paragraph -->
  • Opportunities: Continued consumer resilience may support steady economic growth and allow for gradual monetary easing.
  • Risks: Persistent inflation above the Fed’s 2% target could limit the scope and pace of future rate cuts.
  • Market Impact: Positive investor sentiment driven by steady inflation and clear Fed guidance.
  • Policy Outlook: Two additional quarter-point rate cuts are likely, but cautious Fed messaging tempers expectations for aggressive easing.
Impact: The data supports a steady reduction in interest rates by the Federal Reserve, balancing inflation control with economic growth, and underpins positive market sentiment heading into the final quarter of 2025. !-- wp:paragraph --> The Federal Reserve continues to target a 2% inflation rate but is unlikely to alter its current course based on the August data. Officials anticipate two additional quarter-point rate cuts before year-end, following the first 25 basis point reduction in months approved last week, which set the benchmark range at 4.00%-4.25%. !-- wp:paragraph --> Fed Chair Jerome Powell and other policymakers view tariffs as a transient factor rather than a driver of sustained inflation. However, some remain cautious, noting limited room for further cuts amid persistent inflation above target. !-- wp:paragraph --> Market reactions to the data were positive: stock futures advanced while Treasury yields declined slightly, reflecting investor confidence in the Fed’s gradual easing strategy. !-- wp:paragraph -->

FinOracleAI — Market View

August’s inflation and economic data reinforce the Federal Reserve’s path toward measured interest rate reductions. Core inflation stability combined with robust consumer income and spending suggests the economy is weathering tariff pressures better than anticipated. !-- wp:paragraph -->
  • Opportunities: Continued consumer resilience may support steady economic growth and allow for gradual monetary easing.
  • Risks: Persistent inflation above the Fed’s 2% target could limit the scope and pace of future rate cuts.
  • Market Impact: Positive investor sentiment driven by steady inflation and clear Fed guidance.
  • Policy Outlook: Two additional quarter-point rate cuts are likely, but cautious Fed messaging tempers expectations for aggressive easing.
Impact: The data supports a steady reduction in interest rates by the Federal Reserve, balancing inflation control with economic growth, and underpins positive market sentiment heading into the final quarter of 2025. !-- wp:paragraph --> The Federal Reserve continues to target a 2% inflation rate but is unlikely to alter its current course based on the August data. Officials anticipate two additional quarter-point rate cuts before year-end, following the first 25 basis point reduction in months approved last week, which set the benchmark range at 4.00%-4.25%. !-- wp:paragraph --> Fed Chair Jerome Powell and other policymakers view tariffs as a transient factor rather than a driver of sustained inflation. However, some remain cautious, noting limited room for further cuts amid persistent inflation above target. !-- wp:paragraph --> Market reactions to the data were positive: stock futures advanced while Treasury yields declined slightly, reflecting investor confidence in the Fed’s gradual easing strategy. !-- wp:paragraph -->

FinOracleAI — Market View

August’s inflation and economic data reinforce the Federal Reserve’s path toward measured interest rate reductions. Core inflation stability combined with robust consumer income and spending suggests the economy is weathering tariff pressures better than anticipated. !-- wp:paragraph -->
  • Opportunities: Continued consumer resilience may support steady economic growth and allow for gradual monetary easing.
  • Risks: Persistent inflation above the Fed’s 2% target could limit the scope and pace of future rate cuts.
  • Market Impact: Positive investor sentiment driven by steady inflation and clear Fed guidance.
  • Policy Outlook: Two additional quarter-point rate cuts are likely, but cautious Fed messaging tempers expectations for aggressive easing.
Impact: The data supports a steady reduction in interest rates by the Federal Reserve, balancing inflation control with economic growth, and underpins positive market sentiment heading into the final quarter of 2025. !-- wp:paragraph --> The personal saving rate also improved, rising 0.2 percentage points to 4.6%, reflecting cautious consumer behavior despite robust spending. !-- wp:paragraph -->

Federal Reserve’s Policy Path Remains Unchanged

The Federal Reserve continues to target a 2% inflation rate but is unlikely to alter its current course based on the August data. Officials anticipate two additional quarter-point rate cuts before year-end, following the first 25 basis point reduction in months approved last week, which set the benchmark range at 4.00%-4.25%. !-- wp:paragraph --> Fed Chair Jerome Powell and other policymakers view tariffs as a transient factor rather than a driver of sustained inflation. However, some remain cautious, noting limited room for further cuts amid persistent inflation above target. !-- wp:paragraph --> Market reactions to the data were positive: stock futures advanced while Treasury yields declined slightly, reflecting investor confidence in the Fed’s gradual easing strategy. !-- wp:paragraph -->

FinOracleAI — Market View

August’s inflation and economic data reinforce the Federal Reserve’s path toward measured interest rate reductions. Core inflation stability combined with robust consumer income and spending suggests the economy is weathering tariff pressures better than anticipated. !-- wp:paragraph -->
  • Opportunities: Continued consumer resilience may support steady economic growth and allow for gradual monetary easing.
  • Risks: Persistent inflation above the Fed’s 2% target could limit the scope and pace of future rate cuts.
  • Market Impact: Positive investor sentiment driven by steady inflation and clear Fed guidance.
  • Policy Outlook: Two additional quarter-point rate cuts are likely, but cautious Fed messaging tempers expectations for aggressive easing.
Impact: The data supports a steady reduction in interest rates by the Federal Reserve, balancing inflation control with economic growth, and underpins positive market sentiment heading into the final quarter of 2025. !-- wp:paragraph --> Despite concerns that President Donald Trump’s tariffs would drive consumer prices higher, the latest report indicates only a modest pass-through effect. Companies have mitigated cost pressures through pre-tariff inventory stockpiling and absorbing expenses, limiting inflationary impact. !-- wp:paragraph -->
  • Goods prices edged up 0.1% in August.
  • Services prices increased by 0.3%.
  • Food prices rose by 0.5%.
  • Energy costs jumped 0.8%.
  • Housing expenses grew 0.4%.
The personal saving rate also improved, rising 0.2 percentage points to 4.6%, reflecting cautious consumer behavior despite robust spending. !-- wp:paragraph -->

Federal Reserve’s Policy Path Remains Unchanged

The Federal Reserve continues to target a 2% inflation rate but is unlikely to alter its current course based on the August data. Officials anticipate two additional quarter-point rate cuts before year-end, following the first 25 basis point reduction in months approved last week, which set the benchmark range at 4.00%-4.25%. !-- wp:paragraph --> Fed Chair Jerome Powell and other policymakers view tariffs as a transient factor rather than a driver of sustained inflation. However, some remain cautious, noting limited room for further cuts amid persistent inflation above target. !-- wp:paragraph --> Market reactions to the data were positive: stock futures advanced while Treasury yields declined slightly, reflecting investor confidence in the Fed’s gradual easing strategy. !-- wp:paragraph -->

FinOracleAI — Market View

August’s inflation and economic data reinforce the Federal Reserve’s path toward measured interest rate reductions. Core inflation stability combined with robust consumer income and spending suggests the economy is weathering tariff pressures better than anticipated. !-- wp:paragraph -->
  • Opportunities: Continued consumer resilience may support steady economic growth and allow for gradual monetary easing.
  • Risks: Persistent inflation above the Fed’s 2% target could limit the scope and pace of future rate cuts.
  • Market Impact: Positive investor sentiment driven by steady inflation and clear Fed guidance.
  • Policy Outlook: Two additional quarter-point rate cuts are likely, but cautious Fed messaging tempers expectations for aggressive easing.
Impact: The data supports a steady reduction in interest rates by the Federal Reserve, balancing inflation control with economic growth, and underpins positive market sentiment heading into the final quarter of 2025. !-- wp:paragraph --> Data revealed that personal income rose by 0.4% in August, outpacing estimates by 0.1 percentage points. Concurrently, personal consumption expenditures accelerated by 0.6%, also above forecasts. This resilience in consumer finances suggests sustained economic momentum despite tariff-related uncertainties. !-- wp:paragraph -->

“Net, net, consumers literally hit it out of the park with very strong gains in spending not just for August, but June and July as well,” said Chris Rupkey, chief economist at Fwdbonds. “Summer was the time for consumer revenge spending after hunkering down during the uncertainty and fear produced by the White House tariff rollout in April and May.”

Limited Inflation Impact from Tariffs

Despite concerns that President Donald Trump’s tariffs would drive consumer prices higher, the latest report indicates only a modest pass-through effect. Companies have mitigated cost pressures through pre-tariff inventory stockpiling and absorbing expenses, limiting inflationary impact. !-- wp:paragraph -->
  • Goods prices edged up 0.1% in August.
  • Services prices increased by 0.3%.
  • Food prices rose by 0.5%.
  • Energy costs jumped 0.8%.
  • Housing expenses grew 0.4%.
The personal saving rate also improved, rising 0.2 percentage points to 4.6%, reflecting cautious consumer behavior despite robust spending. !-- wp:paragraph -->

Federal Reserve’s Policy Path Remains Unchanged

The Federal Reserve continues to target a 2% inflation rate but is unlikely to alter its current course based on the August data. Officials anticipate two additional quarter-point rate cuts before year-end, following the first 25 basis point reduction in months approved last week, which set the benchmark range at 4.00%-4.25%. !-- wp:paragraph --> Fed Chair Jerome Powell and other policymakers view tariffs as a transient factor rather than a driver of sustained inflation. However, some remain cautious, noting limited room for further cuts amid persistent inflation above target. !-- wp:paragraph --> Market reactions to the data were positive: stock futures advanced while Treasury yields declined slightly, reflecting investor confidence in the Fed’s gradual easing strategy. !-- wp:paragraph -->

FinOracleAI — Market View

August’s inflation and economic data reinforce the Federal Reserve’s path toward measured interest rate reductions. Core inflation stability combined with robust consumer income and spending suggests the economy is weathering tariff pressures better than anticipated. !-- wp:paragraph -->
  • Opportunities: Continued consumer resilience may support steady economic growth and allow for gradual monetary easing.
  • Risks: Persistent inflation above the Fed’s 2% target could limit the scope and pace of future rate cuts.
  • Market Impact: Positive investor sentiment driven by steady inflation and clear Fed guidance.
  • Policy Outlook: Two additional quarter-point rate cuts are likely, but cautious Fed messaging tempers expectations for aggressive easing.
Impact: The data supports a steady reduction in interest rates by the Federal Reserve, balancing inflation control with economic growth, and underpins positive market sentiment heading into the final quarter of 2025. !-- wp:paragraph --> August’s personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index, the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge, showed core inflation steady at 2.9% year-over-year, in line with market expectations. The Commerce Department reported a monthly increase of 0.2% in core PCE prices, excluding volatile food and energy categories. !-- wp:paragraph --> The headline PCE inflation rate, which includes all items, rose 0.3% for the month, bringing the annual rate to 2.7%, a slight uptick from July’s 2.6%. These figures matched the consensus forecast from Dow Jones, signaling inflation pressures remain contained. !-- wp:paragraph -->

Personal Income and Spending Show Unexpected Strength

Data revealed that personal income rose by 0.4% in August, outpacing estimates by 0.1 percentage points. Concurrently, personal consumption expenditures accelerated by 0.6%, also above forecasts. This resilience in consumer finances suggests sustained economic momentum despite tariff-related uncertainties. !-- wp:paragraph -->

“Net, net, consumers literally hit it out of the park with very strong gains in spending not just for August, but June and July as well,” said Chris Rupkey, chief economist at Fwdbonds. “Summer was the time for consumer revenge spending after hunkering down during the uncertainty and fear produced by the White House tariff rollout in April and May.”

Limited Inflation Impact from Tariffs

Despite concerns that President Donald Trump’s tariffs would drive consumer prices higher, the latest report indicates only a modest pass-through effect. Companies have mitigated cost pressures through pre-tariff inventory stockpiling and absorbing expenses, limiting inflationary impact. !-- wp:paragraph -->
  • Goods prices edged up 0.1% in August.
  • Services prices increased by 0.3%.
  • Food prices rose by 0.5%.
  • Energy costs jumped 0.8%.
  • Housing expenses grew 0.4%.
The personal saving rate also improved, rising 0.2 percentage points to 4.6%, reflecting cautious consumer behavior despite robust spending. !-- wp:paragraph -->

Federal Reserve’s Policy Path Remains Unchanged

The Federal Reserve continues to target a 2% inflation rate but is unlikely to alter its current course based on the August data. Officials anticipate two additional quarter-point rate cuts before year-end, following the first 25 basis point reduction in months approved last week, which set the benchmark range at 4.00%-4.25%. !-- wp:paragraph --> Fed Chair Jerome Powell and other policymakers view tariffs as a transient factor rather than a driver of sustained inflation. However, some remain cautious, noting limited room for further cuts amid persistent inflation above target. !-- wp:paragraph --> Market reactions to the data were positive: stock futures advanced while Treasury yields declined slightly, reflecting investor confidence in the Fed’s gradual easing strategy. !-- wp:paragraph -->

FinOracleAI — Market View

August’s inflation and economic data reinforce the Federal Reserve’s path toward measured interest rate reductions. Core inflation stability combined with robust consumer income and spending suggests the economy is weathering tariff pressures better than anticipated. !-- wp:paragraph -->
  • Opportunities: Continued consumer resilience may support steady economic growth and allow for gradual monetary easing.
  • Risks: Persistent inflation above the Fed’s 2% target could limit the scope and pace of future rate cuts.
  • Market Impact: Positive investor sentiment driven by steady inflation and clear Fed guidance.
  • Policy Outlook: Two additional quarter-point rate cuts are likely, but cautious Fed messaging tempers expectations for aggressive easing.
Impact: The data supports a steady reduction in interest rates by the Federal Reserve, balancing inflation control with economic growth, and underpins positive market sentiment heading into the final quarter of 2025. !-- wp:paragraph --> August’s personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index, the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge, showed core inflation steady at 2.9% year-over-year, in line with market expectations. The Commerce Department reported a monthly increase of 0.2% in core PCE prices, excluding volatile food and energy categories. !-- wp:paragraph --> The headline PCE inflation rate, which includes all items, rose 0.3% for the month, bringing the annual rate to 2.7%, a slight uptick from July’s 2.6%. These figures matched the consensus forecast from Dow Jones, signaling inflation pressures remain contained. !-- wp:paragraph -->

Personal Income and Spending Show Unexpected Strength

Data revealed that personal income rose by 0.4% in August, outpacing estimates by 0.1 percentage points. Concurrently, personal consumption expenditures accelerated by 0.6%, also above forecasts. This resilience in consumer finances suggests sustained economic momentum despite tariff-related uncertainties. !-- wp:paragraph -->

“Net, net, consumers literally hit it out of the park with very strong gains in spending not just for August, but June and July as well,” said Chris Rupkey, chief economist at Fwdbonds. “Summer was the time for consumer revenge spending after hunkering down during the uncertainty and fear produced by the White House tariff rollout in April and May.”

Limited Inflation Impact from Tariffs

Despite concerns that President Donald Trump’s tariffs would drive consumer prices higher, the latest report indicates only a modest pass-through effect. Companies have mitigated cost pressures through pre-tariff inventory stockpiling and absorbing expenses, limiting inflationary impact. !-- wp:paragraph -->
  • Goods prices edged up 0.1% in August.
  • Services prices increased by 0.3%.
  • Food prices rose by 0.5%.
  • Energy costs jumped 0.8%.
  • Housing expenses grew 0.4%.
The personal saving rate also improved, rising 0.2 percentage points to 4.6%, reflecting cautious consumer behavior despite robust spending. !-- wp:paragraph -->

Federal Reserve’s Policy Path Remains Unchanged

The Federal Reserve continues to target a 2% inflation rate but is unlikely to alter its current course based on the August data. Officials anticipate two additional quarter-point rate cuts before year-end, following the first 25 basis point reduction in months approved last week, which set the benchmark range at 4.00%-4.25%. !-- wp:paragraph --> Fed Chair Jerome Powell and other policymakers view tariffs as a transient factor rather than a driver of sustained inflation. However, some remain cautious, noting limited room for further cuts amid persistent inflation above target. !-- wp:paragraph --> Market reactions to the data were positive: stock futures advanced while Treasury yields declined slightly, reflecting investor confidence in the Fed’s gradual easing strategy. !-- wp:paragraph -->

FinOracleAI — Market View

August’s inflation and economic data reinforce the Federal Reserve’s path toward measured interest rate reductions. Core inflation stability combined with robust consumer income and spending suggests the economy is weathering tariff pressures better than anticipated. !-- wp:paragraph -->
  • Opportunities: Continued consumer resilience may support steady economic growth and allow for gradual monetary easing.
  • Risks: Persistent inflation above the Fed’s 2% target could limit the scope and pace of future rate cuts.
  • Market Impact: Positive investor sentiment driven by steady inflation and clear Fed guidance.
  • Policy Outlook: Two additional quarter-point rate cuts are likely, but cautious Fed messaging tempers expectations for aggressive easing.
Impact: The data supports a steady reduction in interest rates by the Federal Reserve, balancing inflation control with economic growth, and underpins positive market sentiment heading into the final quarter of 2025. !-- wp:paragraph -->

Core Inflation Remains Stable at 2.9% in August

August’s personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index, the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge, showed core inflation steady at 2.9% year-over-year, in line with market expectations. The Commerce Department reported a monthly increase of 0.2% in core PCE prices, excluding volatile food and energy categories. !-- wp:paragraph --> The headline PCE inflation rate, which includes all items, rose 0.3% for the month, bringing the annual rate to 2.7%, a slight uptick from July’s 2.6%. These figures matched the consensus forecast from Dow Jones, signaling inflation pressures remain contained. !-- wp:paragraph -->

Personal Income and Spending Show Unexpected Strength

Data revealed that personal income rose by 0.4% in August, outpacing estimates by 0.1 percentage points. Concurrently, personal consumption expenditures accelerated by 0.6%, also above forecasts. This resilience in consumer finances suggests sustained economic momentum despite tariff-related uncertainties. !-- wp:paragraph -->

“Net, net, consumers literally hit it out of the park with very strong gains in spending not just for August, but June and July as well,” said Chris Rupkey, chief economist at Fwdbonds. “Summer was the time for consumer revenge spending after hunkering down during the uncertainty and fear produced by the White House tariff rollout in April and May.”

Limited Inflation Impact from Tariffs

Despite concerns that President Donald Trump’s tariffs would drive consumer prices higher, the latest report indicates only a modest pass-through effect. Companies have mitigated cost pressures through pre-tariff inventory stockpiling and absorbing expenses, limiting inflationary impact. !-- wp:paragraph -->
  • Goods prices edged up 0.1% in August.
  • Services prices increased by 0.3%.
  • Food prices rose by 0.5%.
  • Energy costs jumped 0.8%.
  • Housing expenses grew 0.4%.
The personal saving rate also improved, rising 0.2 percentage points to 4.6%, reflecting cautious consumer behavior despite robust spending. !-- wp:paragraph -->

Federal Reserve’s Policy Path Remains Unchanged

The Federal Reserve continues to target a 2% inflation rate but is unlikely to alter its current course based on the August data. Officials anticipate two additional quarter-point rate cuts before year-end, following the first 25 basis point reduction in months approved last week, which set the benchmark range at 4.00%-4.25%. !-- wp:paragraph --> Fed Chair Jerome Powell and other policymakers view tariffs as a transient factor rather than a driver of sustained inflation. However, some remain cautious, noting limited room for further cuts amid persistent inflation above target. !-- wp:paragraph --> Market reactions to the data were positive: stock futures advanced while Treasury yields declined slightly, reflecting investor confidence in the Fed’s gradual easing strategy. !-- wp:paragraph -->

FinOracleAI — Market View

August’s inflation and economic data reinforce the Federal Reserve’s path toward measured interest rate reductions. Core inflation stability combined with robust consumer income and spending suggests the economy is weathering tariff pressures better than anticipated. !-- wp:paragraph -->
  • Opportunities: Continued consumer resilience may support steady economic growth and allow for gradual monetary easing.
  • Risks: Persistent inflation above the Fed’s 2% target could limit the scope and pace of future rate cuts.
  • Market Impact: Positive investor sentiment driven by steady inflation and clear Fed guidance.
  • Policy Outlook: Two additional quarter-point rate cuts are likely, but cautious Fed messaging tempers expectations for aggressive easing.
Impact: The data supports a steady reduction in interest rates by the Federal Reserve, balancing inflation control with economic growth, and underpins positive market sentiment heading into the final quarter of 2025. !-- wp:paragraph -->
Share This Article
Mark Eisenberg is a financial analyst and writer with over 15 years of experience in the finance industry. A graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Mark specializes in investment strategies, market analysis, and personal finance. His work has been featured in prominent publications like The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and Forbes. Mark’s articles are known for their in-depth research, clear presentation, and actionable insights, making them highly valuable to readers seeking reliable financial advice. He stays updated on the latest trends and developments in the financial sector, regularly attending industry conferences and seminars. With a reputation for expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness, Mark Eisenberg continues to contribute high-quality content that helps individuals and businesses make informed financial decisions.​⬤