September US Consumer Prices Rise as Expected, Core CPI Up, Year-Over-Year Rates Accelerate

08:46 AM EDT, 10/14/2026 (MT Newswires) -- The US seasonally adjusted consumer price index, a measure of inflation, rose by 0.6% in September, as expected in a survey compiled by Bloomberg as of 7:30 am ET and following a 0.4% gain in August, according to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Core CPI, which excludes food and energy prices, rose by 0.3%, higher than the consensus estimate for a 0.2% increase and the same as in August. Food prices were flat, while energy prices were up 5.2%. Gasoline prices jumped by 9.1%. Owners' equivalent rents increased by 0.3%, while regular rents increased by 0.2%. There were also notable gains in apparel, new vehicles, used vehicles, medical care services and transportation services, particularly airline fares. CPI excluding food, energy and shelter rose by 0.3%, the same as in the previous month. The year-over-year rates for overall and core CPI accelerated to 3.7% and 2.6%, respectively, from 3.4% and 2.4% in the previous month. The monthly consumer price index, or CPI, reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, measures the index level of prices paid by consumers for a basket of goods and services such as food, energy, vehicle, medical care, apparel, and housing. The core measure, which excludes food and energy due to their volatility, is closely watched by markets and the Federal Reserve as a sign of underlying inflation pressures. Rising inflation is a sign of strong US consumer demand, but both stocks and bond normally react negatively to level of price growth that would necessitate higher interest rates.