CPI debate in the US

An email from the US Department of Labor to economists has cast doubt on inflation data in the country. An email from the statistics bureau of the US Department of Labor to economists has cast doubt on inflation data in the country. An email sent to a group of analysts on Tuesday stated that the weights for rental inflation, which played a significant role in the CPI's higher-than-expected increase in January, were changed. The email reported that the weight of single-family homes in rental inflation data was significantly increased in January 2024 compared to December 2023. According to a source who provided information to Bloomberg, the statistics bureau later tried to withdraw the email and asked buyers to disregard it. Single-family homes, which have been in short supply in the US, have recently seen rent increases. According to Ian Shepherdson, Chief Economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, if the weight change is maintained, the upward rent effect on inflation may remain high in the first half of this year.