News · thefiscaltimes.com

Inflation Jumps Again , Wiping Out Wage Gains

Gasoline prices jumped 9.1% in September and 34.2% over 12 months, pushing CPI up 0.6% month on month, the fastest rise since April, and 3.7% year on year, both above forecasts. Core CPI, which excludes fuel and food, rose 0.3% monthly and 2.6% annually, suggesting fuel costs are spilling into airfares, used cars, medical services and apparel. Average wages have risen 5.4% since January 2025, but inflation has risen by the same amount, according to Navy Federal Credit Union's Heather Long, who said many people are worse off. Some analysts said the data makes a Federal Reserve rate hike later this year more likely, though possibly not at this month's meeting. The White House blamed Biden and said Trump is bringing inflation down, while Democrats argued Trump's policies have failed ordinary Americans.

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