NZX:STU 6 January 2026

April 11, 2026, 6:17 PM EDT. US inflation hit 3.3% in March, the fastest annual pace in almost two years, driven largely by a 21.2% monthly surge in gasoline prices amid the Iran war. Gasoline accounted for nearly 75% of the 0.9% overall monthly price increase, triple February's rise. Core inflation, excluding food and energy, edged up 0.2% from February. Wage gains slowed sharply, with inflation-adjusted hourly earnings growing just 0.3% annually versus 1.3% prior. Economists warn inflation will worsen before improving, as the conflict's broader price impacts on transit and groceries remain muted but likely to grow. The recent ceasefire alleviated some risks but uncertainty persists. Inflation pressures were mounting pre-war due to tariffs and strong consumer demand, suggesting continued inflation acceleration ahead.