PCE inflation set to resume downward trend in May, supporting Federal Reserve rate cuts

The core Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index is set to rise 0.1% MoM and 2.6% YoY in May.
Markets see a nearly 40% probability that the Federal Reserve will leave the policy rate unchanged in September.
A hot PCE inflation report could provide a boost to the US Dollar heading into the weekend.

The core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index, the US Federal Reserve’s (Fed) preferred inflation measure, will be published on Friday by the US Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) at 12:30 GMT.

PCE index: What to expect in the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure

The core PCE Price Index, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, is seen as the more influential measure of inflation in terms of Fed positioning. The index is forecast to rise 0.1% on a monthly basis in May, at a softer pace than the 0.2% increase recorded in April. May core PCE is projected to grow at an annual pace of 2.6%, while the headline annual PCE inflation is also forecast to edge lower to 2.6%.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported earlier in the month that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 3.3% on a yearly basis in May, while the core CPI increased 3.4% in the same period, down from 3.6% in April.

Previewing the PCE inflation report, “CPI and PPI data suggest core PCE inflation lost further momentum in May, with the series advancing 0.13% m/m — its lowest monthly gain of the year and following a 0.25% April expansion,” TD Securities analysts said. “We also look for the headline PCE and the supercore to print 0.0% each in May. Separately, personal spending likely advanced 0.3% m/m, with income rising 0.4%”, they added.

When will the PCE inflation report be released, and how could it affect EUR/USD?

The PCE inflation data is slated for release at 12:30 GMT. The monthly core PCE Price Index gauge is the most-preferred inflation reading by the Fed, as it’s not distorted by base effects and provides a clear view of underlying inflation by excluding volatile items. Investors, therefore, pay close attention to the monthly core PCE figure.

The CME Group FedWatch Tool shows that markets currently price in a 37.7% probability of the Federal Reserve (Fed) leaving the policy rate unchanged in September. This market positioning suggests that the US Dollar (USD) faces a two-way risk heading into the event.

In case the monthly core PCE rises 0.2%, or more, in May, the immediate market reaction could cause investors to refrain from pricing in a rate reduction in September and help the USD outperform its rivals. On the other hand, a reading of 0.1%, or lower, could trigger a USD selloff ahead of the weekend and open the door for a leg higher in EUR/USD.

Investors, however, could remain reluctant to bet on a steady recovery in the Euro ahead of the first round of French elections on Sunday, even if the PCE inflation figures make it difficult for the USD to find demand. In addition, the data will be released on the last trading day of the second quarter. Hence, quarter-end flows and position adjustments could ramp up market volatility and cause the USD to move irregularly.

FXStreet Analyst Eren Sengezer offers a brief technical outlook for EUR/USD and explains:

“Despite several recovery attempts seen in the last couple of weeks, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) indicator on the daily chart stays below 50, reflecting buyer’s hesitancy. Furthermore, EUR/USD remains within the descending regression channel coming from early June.”

“1.0740 (upper limit of the descending channel) aligns as first resistance. Once EUR/USD rises above this level and stabilizes there, 1.0790-1.0800 (100-day Simple Moving Average (SMA), 200-day SMA, psychological level) could be seen as the next resistance before 1.0900. On the downside, 1.0660 (mid-point of the descending channel) aligns as first support before 1.0600 (lower limit of the descending channel).”