Midwest inflation reached 4.2% in September, outpacing the national rate for eight straight months. Rising housing and transportation costs, including gas, were the biggest drivers of the increase. A Common Sense Institute Iowa report found the typical household now spends $1,500 more per month than in 2020. Over the past six years, housing costs have risen by $556 a month, transportation by $389 and food by $203. Researchers say typical households have spent an additional $62,000 since 2020 to maintain the same standard of living.
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Related tickers and likely impact
DXY
• NeutralRelevance: low
| Market | Currencies |
|---|---|
| Close on 10/19/2026 | 101.98 |
| Change that session | +0.20% |
SPY
• NeutralSPDR S&P 500 ETF
Relevance: low
| Market | US stocks |
|---|---|
| Sector | ETF |
| Close on 10/19/2026 | 766.48 |
| Change that session | +0.42% |
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