US Inflation Rises, Slightly Beating Forecasts
The latest data on US consumer prices has confirmed that the country's inflation rate is still on the rise. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' September 2025 Consumer Price Index (CPI), prices increased by a modest 0.3% in September, driven primarily by a sharp 4.1% hike in gasoline costs. This marks an annual increase of 3%, which was slightly higher than forecasters had predicted.
The CPI report comes as the federal government shutdown has delayed its release by approximately two weeks, forcing staff to be recalled from furlough. As a result, the Social Security Administration will now use this data to calculate the annual cost-of-living adjustment for benefits in 2026, with US retirees set to receive a 2.8% increase.
Economists had predicted an even stronger inflation rate, but the latest figures suggest that prices may be beginning to level off. However, other indicators point to ongoing price pressures, including rising gasoline costs and tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump during his presidency. The Federal Reserve is set to meet next week, with many expecting it to cut interest rates in an attempt to curb inflation.
Meanwhile, a recent poll has found that nearly two-thirds of Americans have reported increased monthly costs since last year, highlighting the ongoing impact of inflation on household budgets. It remains to be seen whether Trump's promises to "end inflation" and make America affordable again will prove to be nothing more than rhetoric.
The latest data on US consumer prices has confirmed that the country's inflation rate is still on the rise. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' September 2025 Consumer Price Index (CPI), prices increased by a modest 0.3% in September, driven primarily by a sharp 4.1% hike in gasoline costs. This marks an annual increase of 3%, which was slightly higher than forecasters had predicted.
The CPI report comes as the federal government shutdown has delayed its release by approximately two weeks, forcing staff to be recalled from furlough. As a result, the Social Security Administration will now use this data to calculate the annual cost-of-living adjustment for benefits in 2026, with US retirees set to receive a 2.8% increase.
Economists had predicted an even stronger inflation rate, but the latest figures suggest that prices may be beginning to level off. However, other indicators point to ongoing price pressures, including rising gasoline costs and tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump during his presidency. The Federal Reserve is set to meet next week, with many expecting it to cut interest rates in an attempt to curb inflation.
Meanwhile, a recent poll has found that nearly two-thirds of Americans have reported increased monthly costs since last year, highlighting the ongoing impact of inflation on household budgets. It remains to be seen whether Trump's promises to "end inflation" and make America affordable again will prove to be nothing more than rhetoric.
. You know, as someone who's super into layout and structure, having prices increase by a small margin can throw off the whole balance of my budget. Like, I have to recalculate everything and it's just so frustrating 
. And on top of that, it's like the Fed is all "we'll just cut interest rates" but what if they're not doing enough? 
It's like, there needs to be a plan to tackle this inflation thing or else we'll be stuck in this cycle forever 
I'm kinda wondering if the Fed will actually cut interest rates or just pretend to 
. A recent poll shows that most people are feeling the pinch too... two-thirds of Americans have more expenses now than last year, yikes! 
. I'm glad it's not as bad as everyone thought it was gonna be, but 3% is still pretty steep you feel? i remember last year when people were saying prices were gonna drop and we'd finally see some relief from this whole pandemic mess. now it seems like prices are just kinda... existing 
. The government shutdown is a major issue, but can't they just release the data on time? I mean, who needs two weeks to figure out how much their Social Security benefits are gonna increase next year? It's like they're making us wait for our own money 
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. "End inflation" and "make America affordable again"... how about actual solutions for once?
. We need to get our economy under control and make sure everyone's getting a fair shot at affordability 
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. Like, sure, 0.3% might not seem like a lot, but for people on fixed incomes or those living paycheck to paycheck, that's a big deal 
. And let's not forget, the economy was in a pretty rough spot before he took office 
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️! So yeah, maybe Trump wasn't perfect, but I think he deserves some slack for trying to tackle the tough issues 
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anyway, people are saying trumps promises were empty talk and now hes just trying to cover his own tracks 
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. I guess that's why economists try so hard to predict things – it's like trying to grasp a handful of sand...the harder you squeeze, the more it slips away 
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what do u think about this? should we be more prepared or hoping for interest rates to drop 
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. It's like they're trying to play catch-up, rather than proactively addressing the issues at hand 
. As for the Fed cutting interest rates next week, I'm not buying it 
. I mean, we all know he was all talk and no action when it came to addressing inflation during his presidency 
. And now, his supporters are stuck with the consequences 
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. I hope the Fed can do something to calm things down