The Producer Price Index (PPI) for final demand surged 0.7% in February, marking a sharper acceleration in wholesale inflation than anticipated and signaling renewed upward pressure in the pipeline before costs fully reach consumers.
“Wholesale inflation heated up unexpectedly in February as the Producer Price Index for final demand climbed 0.7% month-over-month, exceeding forecasts and driven by broad gains in goods and services. The annual rate hit 3.4%, the highest in a year, with core measures excluding food and energy also advancing solidly at 0.5% monthly and 3.9% yearly. … Read more