30.04.202612:30:00UTC+00US Core Inflation Heats Up as March PCE Price Index Accelerates to 0.7% MoM

The U.S. PCE price index, the Federal Reserve’s preferred gauge of inflation, accelerated in March 2026, raising fresh questions over the durability of disinflation trends. Month-over-month, the index rose 0.7%, up sharply from February’s 0.4% increase. The latest data, updated on 30 April 2026, shows price pressures strengthening rather than easing, complicating the policy outlook.

On a month-over-month basis, the March reading reflects how prices grew compared with February, while the previous figure captured February’s change relative to January. The move from 0.4% to 0.7% suggests inflation momentum is picking up, potentially reinforcing expectations that the Fed may need to stay cautious on any prospective rate cuts.

The re-acceleration in PCE inflation will likely be closely watched by markets, which have been sensitive to any signs that price growth is becoming sticky. With the Fed heavily focused on this indicator, the March data adds another layer of uncertainty to the timing and scale of future monetary policy adjustments in the United States.