US Core Consumer Prices Rise as Expected

Core consumer prices in the United States, which exclude food and energy, rose by 0.3% from the previous month in September of 2026, the same pace as August, and ahead of median market expectations of a 0.2% increase. Consumer prices rose sharply for shelter (0.4% vs 0.3% in August) and transportation services (0.6% vs 0.5%), the most in six months to suggest that soaring energy prices are being transmitted through the transportation and logistics sector. Meanwhile, the CPI rebounded for medical care services (0.3% vs -0.2%). From the previous year, the core inflation rate was at 2.6%.

Core consumer prices in the United States, which exclude food and energy, went up by 0.3% over a month in August 2026, the most since April, following a 0.2% increase in July and above market forecasts of a 0.2% rise. Higher prices for communication services, airline fares, education, used cars and trucks, and lodging away from home were partly offset by declines in medical care and motor vehicle insurance costs. On a yearly basis, the core inflation rate eased to 2.4% in August, the lowest since March 2021, from 2.5% the prior month, aligned with market expectations.

Core consumer prices in the United States, which exclude food and energy, rose by 0.2% from the previous month in July of 2026, gaining traction from the hold in the previous month, and in line with market expectations. Prices rose sharply for medical care devices (0.6% vs -0.1% in June), transportation services (0.3% vs -0.3%), and used cars and trucks (0.4% vs -0.2%). Meanwhile, inflation was softer for shelter (0.1% vs 0.1%). From the previous year, core consumer prices rose by 2.5%.