Fed Warns of Wage Pressures as Data Shows Inflation Still Rising

The Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation rose again in January and a new report from the central bank warned that price pressures could persist unless a shortage of available workers begins to ease.

The new inflation data, alongside the developing sense at the central bank that inflation may prove harder than anticipated to dislodge, will likely firm the central bank’s intent to raise interest rates through the year, beginning with an initial hike in March from the current near zero level.