The Fed needs a few more ‘good’ reports on inflation

“Stepping back, the Fed needs a few more ‘good’ reports on inflation to cut rates in September. This can be one of those needed ‘good’ reports and keep the rally rolling (although it won’t be a new, positive catalyst as markets already assume ongoing disinflation),” said Tom Essaye, founder of Sevens Report Research, in a note.

On the other hand, if the CPI report delivers a higher-than-expected number, particularly for the core, “then a quick, sharp drop in stocks shouldn’t be surprising, because again it’s widely expected and priced into stocks that 1) Inflation is falling and 2) The Fed will cut in September,” he wrote.

A “bad” CPI report would see a core reading at 3.4% year over year with a headline figure of 3.2% to 3.3%, Essaye said, likely sparking a modestly negative reaction. An “ugly” report, with a core reading of more than 3.4% year over year and a headline figure higher than 3.3%, would likely spark a major selloff because it would challenge expectations for disinflation and a September cut, he said.