Consumer spending ticks up — but so does inflation — amid Trump tariffs jitters
1. Consumer spending rose 0.4% in February, indicating slow growth. 2. PCE price index increased 0.3%, signaling persistent inflation. 3. Fed likely to maintain rates, impacting market expectations for easing. 4. S&P 500 fell 1.4%, reflecting market concerns over economic conditions. 5. Trump's impending tariffs may create short-term inflationary pressures.