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May 12, 2026
With energy prices surging, the Labor Department released a report on Tuesday showing consumer prices in the U.S. increased in April. Consumer price index (CPI) climbed by 0.6% in April after advancing by 0.9% in March. The annual rate of growth by consumer prices accelerated to 3.8% in April from 3.3% in March.
The monthly increase in consumer prices largely reflected the extended surge in energy prices, which shot up by 3.8% in April after soaring by 10.9% in March. Prices for gasoline spiked by 5.4% in April after skyrocketing by 21.2% the previous month. In addition, prices for food also climbed 0.5% in April after coming in unchanged in March.
Excluding food and energy prices, the core consumer price index rose by 0.4% in April after inching up by 0.2% in March. The annual rate of growth by core consumer prices accelerated to 2.8% in April from 2.6% in March.
Prices for shelter grew by 0.6%, while prices for household furnishings and operations, airline fares, personal care, apparel, and education also increased. Meanwhile, prices for new vehicles, communication, and medical care were among those that decreased in April. 05/12/2026 - 10:17:00 (RTTNews)
Euro traded at 1.1730 against USD at 9:00 AM PST
Germany's consumer price inflation accelerated to the highest since late 2023 in April as energy prices surged due to geopolitical tensions. Consumer price inflation rose to 2.9% in April from 2.7% in March. The rate also hit the highest since December 2023.
E.U. harmonized inflation edged up to 2.9% from 2.8% in March. Core inflation that excludes food and energy prices stood at 2.3% in April. Goods prices climbed at a faster pace of 2.9% in April, while services inflation eased to 2.8% and was slightly lower than overall inflation. Energy prices posted a double-digit growth of 10.1%.
Data showed that consumer prices climbed 0.6% monthly, following a 1.1% increase in March. Similarly, the harmonized index of consumer prices (HICP) gained 0.5% month-on-month, slower than the 1.2% rise seen in the previous month. 05/12/2026 - 02:48:00 (RTTNews)
British Pound traded at 1.3519 against USD at 9:00 AM PST
U.K. retail sales declined in April due to the change in the timing of Easter and weaker consumer confidence. Total retail sales decreased 3.0% year-on-year in April, in contrast to the 7.0% increase last April. Food sales dropped 2.5%, and non-food sales were down 3.3% in April. However, taking March and April together, total retail sales increased 1.5% from the same period last year. 05/12/2026 - 08:20:00 (RTTNews)
Japan's household spending declined for the fourth month in March despite rising wages. Household spending declined 2.9% yearly in March, sharper than the 1.8% fall in February. Spending has been falling since December.
Transportation and communication posted the biggest decline in March, down 16.8% from the last year. Spending on food and clothing decreased 2.9% and 2.6%. Monthly, the decline in household spending slowed to 1.3% from 1.5% in February. Real income of salaried households increased 4.7% in March from the previous year. 05/12/2026 - 03:15:00 (RTTNews)
This market update is prepared by Cathay Bank for informational purposes only and does not constitute any form of legal, tax or investment advice, nor should it be considered an assurance or guarantee of future exchange rate movements or trends. This information is provided without regard to the specific objectives, financial situations or needs of any recipient. Cathay Bank does not make any representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of this market update.
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