-- The US Consumer Price Index is expected to rise by 0.9% in March after a 0.3% gain in February, according to a survey compiled by Bloomberg, with higher gasoline prices due to the conflict in Iran the key factor.
Not only are gasoline pump prices expected to rise, but other categories that rely heavily on energy, such as airfares, are expected to see a large push higher.
The year-over-year rate is forecast to accelerate to 3.4% from 2.4% as a result.
The CPI data are scheduled to be released at 8:30 am ET Friday.
The same survey looks for a 0.3% gain in core CPI, excluding the volatile food and energy components after 0.2% increase. The year-over-year rate is expected to accelerate to 2.7% from 2.5%.
Prices in the owners' equivalent rents and regular rents categories are forecast to post modest gains. Those two categories combine for nearly one-third of overall CPI and are a key focus for the Federal Reserve.
New vehicle prices and used vehicle prices are expected remain a drag on the core reading after they were generally lower in the previous month.
The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation measures for March, the overall and core PCE price readings, are due to be released on April 30.