Economists split on whether tepid CPI points to a May rate cut

Wed, 17 Apr 2019

By Rebecca Howard April 17 (BusinessDesk) - Economists are split as to whether today's tepid inflation data increases the odds for a May rate cut. The consumers price index rose 0.1 percent in the March quarter, bringing the annual rate of inflation to 1.5 percent, down from a 1.9 percent pace in December, Stats NZ said. Economists had expected the CPI rose 0.3 percent in the three months ended March 31, for an annual increase of 1.7 percent. The Reserve Bank had tipped a 0.2 percent lift and an annual rise of 1.6 percent. The New Z...

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