U.S. wholesale prices rose in March, but the increase was less than anticipated despite a surge in energy costs linked to the conflict with Iran.
The producer price index, which measures wholesale prices, did not meet expectations of a 1.1% increase. Rising energy prices are contributing to broader inflation pressures, though the cost of services remained unchanged.
Economists do not anticipate these figures will alter expectations that the Federal Reserve will likely hold interest rates steady in the near term, given the ongoing impact of energy costs.