Market Pulse
Mixed observation times, Nov 3–Nov 5, 2026 (2 days apart)
Archive. This is the Headline CPI, 12 months to August 2026 release exactly as published. It is preserved rather than corrected: see the current release.
Economy · Indicator · Archive

Inflation (CPI) 3.4%

Headline CPI, 12 months to August 2026 · Published 11 Sep 2026

Headline inflation held at 3.4% over twelve months while prices rose 0.4% on the month — the fastest monthly pace of the summer. Core eased to 2.4%.

The release, in the same format we use for every indicator
Previous (July 2026)+3.4% y/y · +0.1% m/m
Actual (August 2026)+3.4% y/y · +0.4% m/m
Core (ex food & energy)+2.4% y/y · +0.3% m/m — down from 2.5%
Why it mattersThe twelve-month figure did not move, but the monthly pace did: 0.4% is an annualised rate well above target. Core at 2.4% is the closest it has come to 2%. Five days later the Fed raised.
Two readings, one release
US consumer prices, August 2026 — headline against core

Core is close to the Fed's goal. Headline is not, and the monthly pace accelerated to 0.4%.

US consumer prices, August 2026 — headline against core
Headline CPI3.4%
Core CPI2.4%
% change vs. August 2025Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPI for August 2026

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Sources

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