Market analysts forecast positive numbers for the May report. Expect the cost of goods and services to increase at an annual rate of 2.6%, down slightly from April's 2.7%. More importantly, core PCE is expected to fall to 2.6% (on an annual basis) in May, from 2.8% in April. If these forecasts come true, it would signal a further reduction in inflationary pressures. , bringing the economy closer to the Fed's 2% inflation target.
Fed officials, including Chairman Jerome Powell, have repeatedly emphasized the need for a sustained positive economic data trend before considering a change in monetary policy. In the recent press conference of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), Mr. Powell reaffirmed this view: "We have stated that reducing the federal funds rate target range will not be appropriate until when we have greater confidence that inflation is moving towards 2% sustainably."
The market's growing confidence in the Fed's ability to change policy is reflected in the probability of cutting interest rates. CME's FedWatch tool currently shows that there is only a 35.9% chance that the Fed will keep current interest rates unchanged (from 5.25% to 5.50%) through September. This is a significant change in market sentiment, down from 37.7% just one day ago and 50.2% a month ago. This trend shows growing optimism about when the Fed will move toward normalizing interest rates.
On Thursday afternoon, 6:00 pm ET, the August gold futures contract was trading actively, soaring 28.90 USD (equivalent to 1.25%) to 2,338.70 USD/oz. Although a weaker USD provided some support, the main driver of the rally was bullish market sentiment centered on expectations for Friday's PCE report.