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Higher Than Expected Inflation Could Signal Fed to Cut Interest Rates. Yahoo Finance reports that consumer prices rose higher than forecast in December, a sign investors hope will signal the Federal Reserve to begin cutting interest rates. December's Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed prices increasing by 0.3% over the month before. Compared to the same time in 2022, prices increased over 3.4%. Economists had predicted prices to increase just 0.2% month over month and an annual increase of 3.2%. "This print is aligned with our view that disinflation ahead will be gradual with sticky services inflation.", Ellen Zentner, Morgan Stanley chief US economist, via Yahoo Finance. Increased core inflation included the shelter index, which increased 6.2% on an annual basis, accounting for over half of the cost gains. Rent prices also remain elevated, with the index for rent and owners' equivalent rent rising 0.5% on a monthly basis for the third consecutive month. Other rising price indexes included motor vehicle insurance, which rose 20.3% year over year, the largest increase since 1976. December also saw the food index rise by 2.7% compared to the same time in 2022, with egg prices jumping up 8.9% month over month. According to CMF FedWatch Tool, there is a 69% chance that the Fed cuts interest rates in March. "I don't think it's enough to delay cuts. We're looking for a march cut to kind of kick of the cutting cycle. This kind of keeps the door open, it definitely doesn't slam the door shut.", Stephen Juneau, Bank of America U.S. economist, via Yahoo Finance. THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT