US Core PCE Rises 0.3% as Inflation Pressures Persist

What pattern was observed in income and spending over the first quarter?

• Flat January, strong February, weaker March

• Weak January, strong February, flat March

• Strong January, strong February, strong March

• Strong January, weaker February, flat March

What is the 'J Powell indicator' referring to?

• PCE core including housing

• Employment cost index

• Headline inflation

• PCE core excluding housing

How did the PCE core excluding housing change?

• It increased significantly

• It remained unchanged

• It declined

• It increased slightly

What does the employment cost index measure?

• Monthly inflation rates

• Quarterly compensation, wages, and benefits

• Monthly spending patterns

• Annual GDP growth

How did compensation, wages, and benefits change in the first quarter compared to the fourth quarter?

• They decreased

• They remained the same

• They increased slightly

• They increased significantly