September US consumer prices are forecast to rise sharply on higher gasoline and
food, while core CPI excluding food and energy is expected to moderate, reducing
the urgency for the Fed to hike again this month. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found
about 78% of Americans blame price rises on Trump-era policies, including
tariffs and the Israel‑Iran conflict; price growth has outpaced wages and
consumer confidence has weakened. Economists say a slower core provides little
relief for households, especially those at the lower end of a K‑shaped economy.
Loyola Marymount finance professor Sung Won Sohn noted food and energy are
daily, highly visible costs, and rising bills for lower-income voters could
affect the midterm outcome.
