USD Rates: Looking past the expected CPI dip
Look past likely dip in US CPI.
Group Research - Econs, Samuel Tse14 Jul 2026
Article image
Photo credit: Unsplash/Adobe Stock Photo
Read More

Consensus expects a 0.1% MoM sa dip in US CPI tonight amidst a steady decline in gasoline prices over the past few weeks. That said, we suspect that phenomenon had been well telegraphed, and market participants may be more concerned about the outlook for oil. As tensions over the Strait of Hormuz flares up again (Trump reimposed a blockade on Iranian ships while also threatening a 20% toll on cargo travelling through the Strait), WTI may have bottomed at USD 70 / bbl and is pushing towards USD 80 / bbl. Interestingly, US Treasury yields are very sensitive to movements in oil even as the absolute levels of oil prices are still low. 2Y US yields (currently are pushing fresh highs for the cycle (closing at 4.28%) and are back at levels last seen in early 2025. Slightly more than two full hikes are being priced over the coming four quarters. 



By contrast, market measures of inflation expectations are still hovering near their recent respective lows. Inflation swap fixings reflect a large drop in CPI by mid-2027). Longer-term breakevens also look very benign. It is difficult to reconcile these two points (higher nominal rates and low breakevens). If inflationary pressures are worrying, rate hike pricing should be brought forward and frontloaded. If inflationary pressures are expected to taper off, then there may be no need to tighten over the horizon. These two instruments should not be diverging. 

Eugene Leow

Senior Rates Strategist - G3 & Asia
eugeneleow@dbs.com



Subscribe here to receive our economics & macro strategy materials.
To unsubscribe, please click here.

Disclaimers and Important Notices

GENERAL DISCLOSURE/ DISCLAIMER (For Macroeconomics, Currencies, Interest Rates, Digital Assets or Commodities)[1]

The information herein is published by DBS Bank Ltd and/or DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (each and/or collectively, the “Company”). It is based on information obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the Company does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to its accuracy, completeness, timeliness or correctness for any particular purpose. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. This research is prepared for general circulation.  Any recommendation contained herein does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of any specific addressee. The information herein is published for the information of addressees only and is not to be taken in substitution for the exercise of judgement by addressees, who should obtain separate legal or financial advice. The Company, or any of its related companies or any individuals connected with the group accepts no liability for any direct, special, indirect, consequential, incidental damages or any other loss or damages of any kind arising from any use of the information herein (including any error, omission or misstatement herein, negligent or otherwise) or further communication thereof, even if the Company or any other person has been advised of the possibility thereof. The information herein is not to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities, futures, options or other financial instruments or to provide any investment advice or services. The Company and its associates, their directors, officers and/or employees may have positions or other interests in, and may effect transactions in securities mentioned herein and may also perform or seek to perform broking, investment banking and other banking or financial services for these companies.  The information herein is not directed to, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity that is a citizen or resident of or located in any locality, state, country, or other jurisdiction (including but not limited to citizens or residents of the United States of America) where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation.  The information is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security in any jurisdiction (including but not limited to the United States of America) where such an offer or solicitation would be contrary to law or regulation.

[#for Distribution in Singapore] This report is distributed in Singapore by DBS Bank Ltd (Company Regn. No. 196800306E) which is Exempt Financial Advisers as defined in the Financial Advisers Act and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. DBS Bank Ltd may distribute reports produced by its respective foreign entities, affiliates or other foreign research houses pursuant to an arrangement under Regulation 32C of the Financial Advisers Regulations. Where the report is distributed in Singapore to a person who is not an Accredited Investor, Expert Investor or an Institutional Investor, DBS Bank Ltd accepts legal responsibility for the contents of the report to such persons only to the extent required by law. Singapore recipients should contact DBS Bank Ltd at 65-6878-8888 for matters arising from, or in connection with the report.

DBS Bank Ltd., 12 Marina Boulevard, Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, Singapore 018982. Tel: 65-6878-8888. Company Registration No. 196800306E. 

DBS Bank Ltd., Hong Kong Branch, a company incorporated in Singapore with limited liability.  18th Floor, The Center, 99 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong SAR.

DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, a company incorporated in Hong Kong with limited liability.  11th Floor, The Center, 99 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong SAR.


[1] This disclaimer may not apply if the applicable assets fall within the definition of  'financial instruments' that are set out in Article 2(1) EU MAR (e.g. financial instruments that are traded on a regulated market, MTF or OTF, etc.). Section C of Annex I of MiFID2 specifies these 'financial instruments'.