Market focus: US inflation and gasoline prices

On Thursday evening, the sell-off on the US stock market accelerated in anticipation of the release of Friday's statistics on consumer price inflation in the US. This is an extremely important report, especially on the eve of the meeting of the Federal Reserve System, at which a decision will be made on the further parameters of monetary policy. 

Investors hope that the consumer price index for May will show signs that inflation has reached its peak and is starting to decline. However, hopes for a reduction in inflation may collapse due to constantly high gasoline prices. 

So, today we should pay attention to three events that may affect the dynamics of the market at the end of the week. 

Consumer prices in the USA

The data of the consumer price index (CPI) in the USA will be published at 12:30 GMT. Analysts expect it to grow by 0.7% in May and by 8.3% year-on-year. In April, the indicator was marked at 0.3% and 8.3%, respectively. 

The core CPI indicator (excluding volatile food and fuel prices) is expected to grow by 0.5% for the month and 5.9% for the year, compared with growth in April by 0.6% and 6.2% for the year in the previous report.

Gasoline prices

As of Thursday, the cost of gasoline in the United States exceeded $5 per gallon. And in some large cities, prices are even higher. Analysts are watching the hydrocarbon market and the main topical question is whether constantly high gasoline prices will lead to a drop in demand, since the summer vacation season is about to begin.

Consumer Sentiment from the University of Michigan

June data on consumer sentiment from the University of Michigan will be published at 17:00. Analysts expect the indicator to reach 58, which is slightly lower than the previous value of 58.4.