Is Trump Sabotaging the Economy?! Or Is This Just Another One Of His Riddles?

A Slight Reprieve in the Economic Asylum?

Gotham isn't the only place with surprises these days. Turns out inflation took a bit of a tumble last month even as Trump was gearing up to slap tariffs on everyone from here to Metropolis. The Bureau of Labor Statistics – sounds like another one of Penguin's schemes – says the Consumer Price Index dropped 0.1% in March. Maybe Scarecrow got to the numbers. Either way the 12 month inflation rate is down to 2.4%. A glimmer of hope in the darkness or just the calm before the storm? I need more data. Alfred run the analysis.

Core Inflation: The Joker in the Deck?

Core inflation without food and energy – because apparently those don’t matter to some economists – is at 2.8%. That's the lowest it's been since March 2021. Wall Street expected 3%. Honestly these guys couldn’t predict a punchline from the Joker. It seems gasoline prices tanked which kept things somewhat in check. But food prices? Those went up. Especially eggs. Up 60.4% from last year. Guess even the Riddler can't crack that one. I may have to pay the Mad Hatter a visit to find out what is going on here...

Tariffs: The Trump Card?

Speaking of the Joker Trump's tariff plans are just as unpredictable. He's delayed some of the harsher duties but kept a 10% levy on all imports. It's like he's playing a game of 'who can bankrupt the economy first.' Economists expect inflation to jump because of these tariffs but now that Trump's negotiating it's all up in the air. The Fed is in a tough spot. They don't want to lower interest rates with all this uncertainty. Classic Trump move keep everyone guessing including me!

The Market's Meltdown? Or Just a Glitch in the Matrix?

Stock market futures took a nosedive after the report came out. Treasury yields are also down. It's like everyone suddenly remembered they live in Gotham – I mean the U.S. – and anything can happen. But don't worry Gothamites I'm here to watch over you. And by 'watch,' I mean 'silently brood and occasionally punch a clown.' Just like what the fed should be doing.

Expert Analysis: Even They're Confused!

Some Goldman Sachs guru – sounds like a name Poison Ivy would cook up – said the CPI release is 'backward looking.' Apparently the Fed is going to have a tough time dealing with tariff driven price increases and weak economic activity. Translation: nobody knows what's going to happen. So if the 'experts' don't know what is the average citizen going to do?

CNBC Pro LIVE: A Night at the Stock Exchange!

CNBC Pro is having an event at the New York Stock Exchange. Experts insights and a cocktail hour on the trading floor. Sounds like a perfect setup for Two Face to cause some chaos. If I weren’t busy trying to keep Gotham from sinking into the sea I might check it out. Alfred add it to the schedule just in case I get bored of staring at gargoyles. But it is in the day so this is a no go. Too many crazies roaming around in the daylight. This is why we can't have nice things!