US inflation rises less than expected: What to know

July’s headline and core PCE inflation rates were also revised down by 30 basis points

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Published September 30, 2026
US inflation rises less than expected: What to know

US inflation increased more slowly than expected in August which could lead financial markets to further diminish the likelihood of another rate hike from the Federal Reserve next month.

On Wednesday, the Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysts said that economists had forecast the PCE price index rising 0.4% after a past reported 0.2% gain in July.

The inflation has now advanced 2.6% after subsequently decreasing by a revised 3.4% in July. The BEA revised its framework for software and hardware deflation, portfolio management fees and legal services in the PCE price index, revising the inflation data going back to 2021.

Excluding the fluctuating components, the PCE Price Index climbed 0.2% over the months after a revised 0.1% rise in July. The so-called core PCE was initially reported to have increased 0.2% in July. Core PCE primarily inflation increased 3.0% year-on-year August after an adjusted increase of 3.3% in the 12 months through July.

The Fed this month increased bank borrowing costs to the 3.75%-4.00 range, marking the first rate hike in three years. The odds of an October rate hike were reduced by New York Fed President John Willaims’ comments on Tuesday that there is no immediate necessity to proceed.

Furthermore, financial markets priced in a roughly 51.5% ahead of further policy restrictions next month down from 70% on Monday.

Ruqia Shahid
Ruqia Shahid is a reporter specialising in science, focusing on discoveries, research developments, and technological advancements. She translates complex scientific concepts into clear, engaging stories, helping readers understand the latest innovations and their real-world impact through accurate, accessible, and insight-driven reporting.
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