CPI EASES PRESSURE ON FED TO HIKE July CPI came in close enough to expectations to reduce pressure on the Fed to raise rates in September, according to Nick Timiraos. The Fed has argued current rates are restrictive enough to bring inflation toward 2% without further hikes. But persistent tariffs, energy pressures and AI-driven demand for technology equipment and software are complicating that outlook. For now, the CPI report gives policymakers more room to hold rates steady.(*Walter Bloomberg)