The core consumer price index (CPI), excluding the often volatile food and energy categories, increased 0.2% from November, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data out on Tuesday. The reading is perhaps a more convincing sign that inflation is on a downward path, since a number of caveats in November’s report contributed to a significant pullback in the annual core CPI. November data were also collected later than usual and could have been affected by holiday discounts. Metric Actual Estimate CPI MoM +0.3% +0.3% Core CPI MoM +0.2% +0.3% CPI YoY +2.7% +2.7% Core CPI YoY +2.6% +2.7%There was some bounce-back in shelter costs, which were the “largest factor” in the overall monthly advance, BLS said, while apparel prices also climbed. Federal Reserve officials are widely expected to hold interest rates steady later this month after three straight cuts to close out 2025.

Source: The Edge Markets January 13, 2026 14:02 UTC