Most US equity indices finished the week slightly lower, due in large part to a higher-than-expected consumer price inflation (CPI) print for the month of October. Core inflation (ex food and energy) rose to 4.6% y/y, while headline inflation exceeded 6% for the first time since 1990. See the Chart of the Week for a time series of headline and core CPI.

Sector performance was mixed: basic materials (+2.6%) significantly outperformed, and four other sectors (healthcare, industrials, financials, and tech) finished with positive returns on the week. Other sectors finished lower on the week, with energy (-1.3%) and consumer discretionary (-3.2%) trailing by the widest margin. International stocks were mixed, with MSCI’s developed market index easing lower while its emerging markets index posted solid gains due to strength in Chinese equities.

Bond yields moved higher in the wake of the inflation print, particularly in the front end and belly of the curve: 2y and 10y yields both rose 11bp on the week, while 30y yields were up a more modest 4bp. Credit spreads were mostly stable, passing the price declines in Treasuries through to higher quality corporate bonds.

Commodity markets were mixed last week. Energy prices eased lower, while prices rose on many other commodities, including wheat, corn, copper, and gold.