Soaring gas prices to push U.S. inflation to nearly 4% in coming months: BofA

Investing.com -- Bank of America is warning that surging energy prices will drive U.S. headline inflation close to 4% in the coming months, with price pressures seen persisting well into next year.

U.S. economist Stephen Juneau revised BofA's macro outlook following an update to the bank's oil price forecast, with headline PCE inflation now projected to peak close to 4% this quarter.

"We expect soaring energy prices to push headline inflation to nearly 4% y/y in coming months," Juneau wrote.

BofA expects the spike to be short-lived, with headline inflation falling quickly next year as oil prices retrace.

However, the bank cautioned that price levels at the end of next year are now seen 50 basis points above its prior forecast, driven by higher food inflation in 2027 stemming from ongoing fertilizer supply disruptions, and lasting global supply chain problems.

"Sticky and broad-based supply disruptions are likely to keep inflation above target next year as well," Juneau wrote.

The revised outlook adds to a challenging backdrop for the Federal Reserve.

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