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Here's the inflation breakdown for October 2026 - in one chart
CNBC • • business
Key Points:
- U.S. inflation slowed in October with a 0.4% monthly rise in the consumer price index (CPI), down from 0.6% in September but above the 0.3% economists expected, driven by factors like housing, food, and energy costs.
- Core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, remained steady at 0.3% monthly, indicating persistent inflation pressure above the Federal Reserve's 2% annual target.
- Housing costs, particularly shelter inflation, were a major contributor to the CPI increase, accounting for over 30% of the rise, though some volatility in these figures is expected.
- Energy prices, influenced by the war in Iran, pushed gasoline prices up 1% in October and kept diesel prices elevated, impacting transportation and food costs with inflationary effects expected to continue for several months.
- Additional inflation drivers include lingering tariff impacts on goods and rising electricity and electronics prices due to increased demand from artificial intelligence data centers.
