FX.co ★ US Core Inflation Above Forecasts

The US core inflation rate—which excludes volatile food and energy prices—rose to 2.6% in September 2026, up from a five-year low of 2.4% in August and slightly above the consensus forecast of 2.5%. The shelter index, a major component of the CPI basket, increased 3.2% over the past year. Other categories showing notable annual gains included airline fares (+22.4%), recreation (+2.8%), medical care (+1.5%), and education (+3.8%). On a monthly basis, core CPI advanced 0.3% in September, matching August’s pace but exceeding market expectations for a 0.2% increase.