Consumer prices rose the most in 10 months in February as the cost of gasoline spiked, but there was little sign that underlying inflation pressures were building up.
Consumer prices rose the most in 10 months in February as the cost of gasoline spiked, but there was little sign that underlying inflation pressures were building up.
Stocks were flat on Friday as data showed inflation remained in check last month as the domestic economy continues to improve, but consumer sentiment slipped.
Consumer prices rose by the most in 10 months in February as the cost of gasoline spiked, but there was little sign that underlying inflation pressures were building up.
The inflation rate of China reduced sharply to 3.2 percent for February, which is a 20 month low, according to data released on Friday, showing signs that the price pressure is gradually diminishing.
China's 11th National People's Congress (NPC), the Chinese Parliament and top legislative body, will convene its fifth annual meeting Monday to set such key 2012 economic objectives as a lower target for economic growth, while keeping inflation steady.
The U.S. economy grew at a 3 percent annual rate in the fourth quarter, faster than originally estimated on unexpectedly strong business restocking, the Commerce Department said Wednesday.
A closely watched index of U.S. consumer sentiment narrowly beat market expectations Friday morning, as the continuing optimism about where the economy is going was reflected in the data.
China's central bank is expected to make more cuts to banks' reserve requirements to fuel lending and sustain economic growth.
The Dow finished the week with solid gains Friday, edging closer to the 13000 mark which could be another indication of improvement in the U.S. economy.
The consumer price index rose 0.2 percent, below the expected 0.3 percent, according to the January consumer price index report from the Labor Department which could be suggesting a strengthening of the economic recovery.
Gasoline prices jumped 0.9 percent in January, pushing overall consumer prices up and offering a reminder of the risks energy costs pose to the economic recovery.
The U.S. consumer price index rose less than forecast in January as prices for household energy and used automobiles cooled, supporting the Federal Reserve's view that inflation will remain in check.
Consumer prices rose the most in four months in January as the price of gasoline jumped, highlighting a growing concern that higher energy costs could slow the economic recovery.
Stock index futures were little changed Friday as investors were set to take a breather from a rally that pushed the S&P 500 to a nine-month high in the previous session.
U.S. stock markets may begin the week with gains as stocks in Asia and Europe advanced after Greek parliament approved austerity measures demanded by Eurozone leaders to secure a bailout package and avoid a messy debt default.
Despite a mediocre earnings season and signs of an overbought market, Wall Street bulls are likely to remain in control this week.
Despite a mediocre earnings season and signs of an overbought market, Wall Street bulls are likely to remain in control next week. There are a number of catalysts that have helped the market this year, including a slew of improved economic data and the Federal Reserve's vow to keep interest rates low.
China's inflation unexpectedly rebounded in January mainly due to gains in food prices and a weeklong holiday. Though this does not change the broader downward trend in inflation and provides room for Beijing to stimulate its economy if the Euro area experiences a sharp recession. It does support economists' view that Beijing will not put in place aggressive stimulus packages as it aims for a smooth leadership transition this year.
China's annual inflation spiked to a consensus-busting 4.5 percent in January as spending jumped during the Chinese Lunar New Year holiday season, breaking a five-month softening trend and forcing a market rethink of policy easing expectations.
Japan's Nikkei average eased from a three-month high to trade below 9,000 Thursday amid uncertainty over the outcome of the Greek bailout talks.
Inflation in China is expected to trend lower in January, which provides room for Beijing to stimulate the country's economy if the Euro area experiences a sharp recession. However, economists do not expect to see aggressive stimulus packages to be put in place as Beijing is looking to achieve a smooth leadership transition this year.
