US Core Consumer Prices Rise the Most in 4 Months

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%.

Core consumer prices in the United States, which exclude food and energy, were unchanged from the previous month in June of 2026, holding the 0.2% increase in May and undershooting market expectations that they would have risen by 0.2%. I)t was the first month without increases since January 2021. Prices fell for transportation services (-0.3% vs -0.6% in May), apparel (-0.6% vs 0.3%), and medical care services (-0.1% vs 0.5%). In turn, prices inched higher for shelter (0.1% vs 0.3%). From the previous year, core consumer prices were 2.6% higher.