April final demand PPI data suggest slowed..>

US DATA: April final demand PPI data suggest inflation slowed a bit 

after a strong March showing, rising by only 0.1% overall, with gains of 

0.2% for ex. food and energy and 0.1% ex. food, energy, and trade 

services, near expectations. 

- Annual rate inflation decelerated in April due to the weaker readings 

this year and strong gains in April 2017. Overall PPI now +2.6% y/y vs 

+3.0% in March, ex food and energy +2.3% y/y vs +2.7%, ex food, energy 

and trade services +2.5% y/y vs +2.9%.

- Energy prices +0.1% in the month after declines in the previous two 

months, but food prices -1.1% as a number of items reversed their March 

gain. Trade services +0.2%. 

- The personal consumption price measures, often used to preview PCE 

prices, were soft in the month, -0.1% overall, -0.1% ex. food and energy, 

and flat ex. food, energy, and trade services.