Despite soaring inflation, US markets remained stable due to optimism over Ukraine peace talks and a less severe-than-anticipated tariff plan from President Trump. The unadjusted consumer price index rose 3% year-over-year, exceeding expectations of 2.9%. Energy prices surged, with fuel oil up 6.2% and egg prices hitting record highs at 15%. Core inflation edged up to 3.3%, while the producer level reached 3.5%. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reiterated that there’s no rush to cut interest rates, leading investors to adjust their expectations. A less-aggressive tariff stance from Trump also weakened the US dollar. In contrast, Intel surged on a government push to expand domestic semiconductor manufacturing, while Tesla sales declined in January due to weaker European and Chinese markets.
Source: https://eu.freep.com/story/money/business/2025/02/15/stock-market-holds-steady-despite-january-inflation-increase/78605779007