US CPI Falls to 2.4%, Lifts Moderna Shares 8.2% Premarket
US consumer-price inflation slowed to 2.4% in January, the lowest annual reading since May 2025, while core CPI dipped to 2.5%, its weakest pace since March 2021. Moderna shares jumped 8.15% premarket as easing price pressures fueled expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts benefiting growth and biotech stocks.
1. January Inflation Data
Annual consumer-price inflation cooled to 2.4% in January from 2.7% in December, undershooting the 2.5% forecast and marking the lowest reading since May 2025. Core CPI, excluding food and energy, eased to 2.5% year-over-year from 2.6%, the weakest pace since March 2021, while monthly headline CPI rose just 0.2%.
2. Market Response and Moderna Surge
Growth-sensitive stocks rallied on the cooler inflation print amid speculation of future rate cuts. Moderna shares led biotech gains with an 8.15% premarket uptick as investors anticipated easier financing conditions to spur demand for high-growth names.