The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Wednesday that the inflation rate in the United States rose to 3.7 percent in September 2026, up from 3.4 percent in the previous month.
During the ninth month of the year, prices climbed by 0.6 percent compared to August. Core inflation-which excludes energy and food prices-was 2.6 percent in September, compared to 2.4 percent in August.
Year-over-year, energy prices increased by 20.4 percent, following a sharp jump of 16.3 percent the previous month. The continuing effects of the conflict in the Middle East, which began in late February, are likely a significant driver of this increase. Food prices also rose by 2.5 percent over the past year (2.7 percent in August).
Investors closely monitor US inflation rates because high inflation figures are a crucial indicator of the monetary policy of the Federal Reserve (Fed). Elevated interest rates are generally considered detrimental to the stock market and the real estate market, partly because bank accounts remain an attractive investment alternative.
