Inflation Eases as Gasoline Costs Surge, Rent Moderates

U.S. consumer prices rose less than expected in September, with gas prices surging but rent costs moderating. This helps maintain the Federal Reserve's path to cut interest rates. Import tariffs continue affecting certain products, while economic data collection faces challenges due to the government shutdown.

In September, U.S. consumer prices increased slightly below expectations, influenced by a significant spike in gasoline prices coupled with a moderation in rent costs. This development supports the Federal Reserve's strategy to reduce interest rates, with a rate cut expected next week.

The latest data, released by the Labor Department, indicates a restrained inflation scenario, partly due to a slowdown in airfare and hotel rates, alongside decreasing prices in used vehicles. However, the ongoing impact of import tariffs is still elevating costs in sectors like apparel and appliances.

Despite economic data collection being hindered by the government shutdown, the inflation figures were issued to assist the Social Security Administration. The shutdown's impact on data collection raises concerns over future reports' accuracy, particularly for October, as substantial portions of necessary data remain uncollected.

(With inputs from agencies.)