US Inflation Rate Accelerates to 3.3%, Highest in About 2 Years

2026-04-10 12:33 By Joana Taborda 1 min. read

The annual inflation rate in the US jumped to 3.3% in March 2026, marking the highest level since May 2024 and a sharp increase from 2.4% in both February and January.

Figures came in line with forecasts, with the rise primarily driven by higher energy costs (12.5%), mostly gasoline (up 18.9%) and fuel oil (44.2%), due to the war with Iran.

On the other hand, prices for used cars and trucks continued to decline (-3.2% vs -3.2%) while inflation steadied for shelter (3% vs 3%) and eased for food (2.7% vs 3.1%).

On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 0.9%, the largest increase since June 2022, following a 0.3% gain in February and also in line with forecasts, boosted by a 21.2% jump in gas prices.

Meanwhile, core inflation which excludes food and energy, also picked up though much more moderately, to an annual rate of 2.6%, compared to forecasts of 2.7%.

On a monthly basis, core consumer prices increased by 0.2%, below expectations of 0.2%.



News Stream
US CPI Report Comes Broadly in Line with Forecasts
The annual inflation rate in the US steadied at 3.4% in August 2026, the same as in July and in line with forecasts. Gasoline prices rose 27.4% yoy, slightly more than 24.6% in July and fuel oil prices increased 52%, compared with 39.1% previously. On the other hand, inflation eased for shelter, to 3% from 3.2%, and for food to 2.7% from 3%. On a monthly basis, the CPI rose 0.4%, the most in three months, also matching forecasts. Gasoline rose 3.9% in August, accounting for over one third of the monthly increase while natural gas (-1.1%) and electricity (-0.2%) fell. Food edged up 0.1% while shelter rose 0.3%. Other increases were also seen for communication (2.3%), airline fares (2.7%), education (0.8%) and used cars and trucks (0.4%). Meanwhile, core CPI rose 0.3% on the month, above 0.2% in July and forecasts of 0.2%. The annual rate however, slowed to 2.4%, the lowest reading since March 2021, from 2.5%, in line with expectations.
2026-09-11
US Inflation Rate Seen Holding Steady at 3.4%
The annual US inflation rate is expected to have held steady at 3.4% in August 2026, matching the July reading. On a monthly basis, CPI is forecast to rise 0.4%, the strongest increase in three months, following a 0.1% gain in July. Gasoline prices are expected to have climbed nearly 3%, while grocery prices are also projected to rebound. Airfares are likely to remain elevated amid higher fuel costs, while housing costs are expected to continue showing signs of softness. Meanwhile, core CPI, which excludes food and energy, is expected to rise 0.2% mom, matching July’s increase, and 2.4% yoy, which would mark the lowest reading since March 2021, down from 2.5% in July. Overall, inflation is expected to remain well above the Fed’s 2% target.
2026-09-11
US Inflation Rate Slows as Expected
The annual inflation rate in the US slowed for a second consecutive month to 3.4% in July 2026, from 3.5% in June, in line with expectations. Inflation moved further below the 2023 high of 4.2% reached in May, as the impact of the energy shock caused by the war with Iran continued to ease. Gasoline prices rose 24.6% yoy, down from 26.7% in June, while fuel oil prices increased 39.1%, compared with 42.9% previously. Inflation also eased in shelter, to 3.2% from 3.3%, while food inflation remained unchanged at 3%. On a monthly basis, the CPI rose 0.1% as expected, rebounding from a 0.4% decline in June. The index for shelter rose 0.1%, accounting for roughly two-thirds of the monthly increase. Food also went up 0.1%. In contrast, gasoline prices were down 2.9%. Meanwhile, core consumer prices went up 0.2%, following a flat reading in June, while the annual core inflation rate eased to 2.5% from 2.6% in the previous month, matching forecasts.
2026-08-12