FX.co ★ US Core Inflation Rate Slightly Below Forecasts

As of December 2025, the United States' annual core consumer price inflation rate, which omits the more unpredictable categories such as food and energy, was recorded at 2.6%. This rate is the lowest experienced since March 2021 and remains consistent with the figures reported for November. The inflation data slightly underperformed market projections of 2.7%. Notable deceleration in prices was observed particularly in the sectors of used cars and trucks, which fell to 1.6% from November's 3.6%, as well as household furnishings and operations, which dropped to 4% from 4.6%. Conversely, the prominent shelter index saw an increase, rising to 3.2% compared to last month's 3% increment. Over the past year, other significant increases were seen in categories such as medical care, which rose to 3.2% from 2.9%, recreation increasing to 3% from 1.8%, and personal care climbing to 3.7% from 3.3%.