Traders appear increasingly confident that the U.S. Federal Reserve could start cutting interest rates as early as September, after inflation data cooled more than expected in April.Jerome Schneider, head of short-term portfolio management at PIMCO, said on Thursday that the latest U.S. inflation data confirmed to investors that the potential for a near-term rate hike was now"off the table.
"Yes, perhaps it's some relief upon a higher inflation print, but in the context of getting closer to the Federal Reserve's target that they want to get to so quickly, it is probably unlikely at this point in time," he added.Alongside the U.S. inflation data, the Commerce Department reported on Wednesday that retail sales were flat on the month, compared with the estimate for a 0.4% increase.
"I think probably the market is starting to see softer data coming, which will make the job of the Fed a little bit easier."