United States Producer Price Index soars in April amid Iran war

The United States (US) Producer Price Index jumped to 6% on a yearly basis in April, following the 4.3% posted in March and largely surpassing the expected 4.9%. On a monthly basis, the PPI rose 1.4%, doubling the March reading of 0.7%, and much higher than the anticipated 0.5%.

Wholesale inflation hit its highest since December 2022, not really a surprise considering what’s going on in the Middle East. The energy supply disruption triggered by the Iran war is the main source of higher inflationary pressures around the globe and what’s twisting central bankers’ hands.

The figures came a day after the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 3.8% in the same period, nearly doubling the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) goal of 2%, spurring speculation that the central bank will have no choice but to hike interest rates.

Market reaction

The US Dollar Index (DXY) retains the positive momentum across the FX board amid a combination of risk aversion and mounting speculation of upcoming US rate hikes, holding near fresh weekly highs in the 98.60 region. Recent peaks at around 99.10 turn into a critical resistance area ahead of additional gains.