March 28, 2025
United States:
US Consumer Spending Barely Rises, Key Inflation Gauge Picks Up
Consumer spending was weaker than expected again in February while a key inflation metric picked up, in a double whammy for the economy before the brunt of tariffs.
Inflation-adjusted consumer spending edged up 0.1% after falling in January by the most in nearly four years, which economists blamed on bad weather, according to Bureau of Economic Analysis data out Friday.
Europe:
French and Spanish Inflation Undershoot, Backing ECB Rate Cuts
Inflation in France and Spain undershot expectations, supporting calls for more interest-rate cuts by the European Central Bank.
Consumer-price growth held steady at 0.9% in France this month, defying analyst predictions for an uptick. In Spain, they slowed to 2.2% — a much deeper deceleration than expected — and are now approaching the ECB’s 2% target.
Asia:
Tokyo Inflation Exceeds Forecasts, Keeping BOJ on Rate Hike Path
The cost of living in Tokyo rose more than anticipated from the previous month, keeping the Bank of Japan on track for further interest rate hikes.
Consumer prices excluding fresh food rose 2.4% in March from a year earlier as inflation in processed food accelerated, according to the ministry of internal affairs Friday.
Disclaimer:
Analyst Certification – The views expressed in this research report accurately reflect the personal views of Mayberry Investments Limited Research Department about those issuer (s) or securities as at the date of this report. Each research analyst (s) also certify that no part of their compensation was, is, or will be, directly or indirectly, related to the specific recommendation(s) or view (s) expressed by that research analyst in this research report.
Company Disclosure – The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, however its accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. You are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. Mayberry may effect transactions or have positions in securities mentioned herein. In addition, employees of Mayberry may have positions and effect transactions in the securities mentioned herein.
