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US labour costs top forecasts in first quarter as jobs market stays robust

Inflation: Economists expect the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge, the core personal consumption expenditures price index, rose 0.3 per cent in March, matching February’s monthly increase. The annual increase is expected to slide to 4.5 per cent.

Consumer spending: That same PCE report is also expected to show personal consumption ticked down to a seasonally adjusted 0.1 per cent decline in March, as the US economy slows in the face of the Federal Reserve’s monetary tightening.

Corporate results: Companies reporting before the bell include consumer goods manufacturers Newell Brands and Colgate-Palmolive.

Employment cost index: One of the Federal Reserve’s favourite wage metrics is expected to show employment costs increased 1.1 per cent, as the central bank struggles to rein in wage growth.

US consumer sentiment: The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index is forecast to report a final reading of 63.5 in April, compared to 62 last month.


Source: Economy - ft.com

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