"CPI Softens Like Beta Code, But Shelter Bugs Spike 0.4% – Fed's Rate Cut Still in Review Hell"

On January 14, 2026, Neuberger Berman reported that the US December Consumer Price Index (CPI) was softer than expected, driven by shelter prices increasing 0.4% and recreation services rising 1.8%. According to Shannon L. Saccocia, CFA, this data is unlikely to change the course of equity and bond markets, with the Federal Reserve's January meeting expectations remaining unchanged, despite a potential supportive case for rate cuts, due to concerns over seasonality and data quality, with core CPI at 0.4% and a sharp increase in recreation services.