On July 12th, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics released data showing that the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 3% year-on-year in June, the lowest since March 2021, slightly below the expected 3.1%. The core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, fell by 0.5 percentage points to 4.8% year-on-year in June, below the expected 5.0%. The month-on-month core CPI increased by 0.2%, also lower than expectations.

【Source:MacroMicro 】
Following the data release, market expectations for "the last rate hike in July" became firmer, while expectations for rate hikes after July cooled down overall, with rate cut expectations being brought forward to March next year.

【Source:CME】
However, one key reason for the slowdown in CPI this time is the base effect, and the market may currently be overly optimistic. Michael Hartnett, a strategist at Bank of America, believes that the good times brought by the low base effect are already behind us, and the US may experience higher inflation data and corresponding tightening policies in the second half of the year, with the stock market expected to decline significantly in late August or early September.
Goldman Sachs analysts also indicate that the risk of an economic downturn in the US remains high, and inflation could become more challenging starting from now, unexpectedly pushing the central bank towards a hawkish stance.
Mitrade Analyst:
It is premature to say that July will be the last interest rate hike. From the demand side, non-manufacturing PMI rebounded, non-farm wages remain strong, and the wealth effect from the stock market cannot be underestimated, indicating resilient consumer spending. Pay attention to the next two core CPI growth figures: if they continue to slow down, it is unlikely that the Fed will raise rates twice this year. However, if core CPI rebounds again, the probability of a second rate hike within the year (such as in November) increases.