F1: February's US CPI data will be a key focus to help shape monetary policy and growth expectations; stickiness in inflation may be anticipated, but further easing of inflationary pressures could occur in the coming months, based on PMI price data signals [1]. F2: The S&P Global Investment Manager Index in March will provide insights into US investor sentiment, with a watch on whether the IT sector remains favored amidst increasing uncertainty [1]. F3: The UK's monthly output and employment data will assess the extent of the ongoing expansion, particularly in the service sector, which has shown stronger performance according to PMI figures in 2024 so far [1]. F4: Global business activity growth hit an eight-month high in February, signaling accelerating growth and allaying concerns of a global recession [1]. F5: Average global prices charged for goods and services rose at a faster rate in February, with services price inflation remaining notably elevated by pre-pandemic standards [1]. F6: February 2023 CPI is expected to show inflation heating up again due primarily to a spike in gasoline prices, alongside continued stickiness in upward price pressures, challenging Federal Reserve officials [2]. F7: Economists predicted a 0.4% monthly growth and a 3.1% annual growth rate for February's CPI, with core CPI (excluding food and energy) expected to rise 0.3% monthly and 3.7% annually [2]. F8: Despite the uptick in inflation, economists and Federal Reserve officials anticipate room for progress and potential rate cuts within 2024 [2]. F9: The forecast for February CPI showing a 0.4% monthly increase and a 3.1% yearly increase is attributed mainly to higher gasoline prices, signaling a potential acceleration in overall inflation [2]. F10: The economy's continued growth and strong labor market afford the Federal Reserve the luxury of waiting to see how the data plays out before deciding on policy easing [2]. --- SOURCES --- 1: https://www.forbes.com/sites/simonmoore/2024/03/05/what-to-expect-from-februarys-cpi-inflation-report/ 2: https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/mi/research-analysis/week-ahead-economic-preview-week-of-11-march-2024.html ----------------- Taking into account the recent uptick in global inflation and the continued strength in the US economy, it is likely that the CPI will increase in March 2024. The forecast for a 0.43% increase in March 2023 aligns with the anticipated continuation of inflationary pressures, supported by factors such as rising energy prices and persistent supply chain disruptions. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect a similar trend in March 2024, leading to a 0.43% increase in the CPI for that month. The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.43 percent in March 2024 on a seasonally adjusted basis.