Feb core PCE price index +0.2% (unrounded...>

US DATA: Feb core PCE price index +0.2% (unrounded +0.228%), as expected 

after +0.3% in Jan (+0.288%), so y/y rate ticked up to +1.6% after +1.5% 

in the previous four months. This is the strongest pace since April.

- Total PCE price index +0.2% (unrounded +0.190), so y/y rate rose

to +1.8% from +1.7%. Overall, PCE inflation remains under control, but 

is ticking up finally.

- Pers income +0.4%, as expected, while nominal PCE +0.2%, as expected 

and real PCE flat, so there will likely be very little market reaction 

for anything outside of the price measures. 1Q real PCE through the 

first two months was up only 0.6% SAAR vs the 4Q avg. This follows the 

4.0% rise seen in the 4Q GDP report Wednesday.

- Feb savings rate rose to 3.4%, its highest since Aug 2017, from 3.2% 

in Jan and 2.4% in December, but remains well below the 4.1% rate a year 

ago. The relatively low saving rate should continue to support PCE, as 

consumers feel confident about the economy and the job market.

- Income was lifted by a 0.5% gain wages and salaries and strong 

increases for proprietors' income, income on assets, and rental income.