economy

CPI report shows inflation eased in July to a 3.4% annual pace

Updated on: August 12, 2026 / 2:20 PM EDT / CBS News

CPI report shows inflation eased in July to a 3.4% annual pace

TL;DR

  • Inflation eased to a 3.4% annual pace in July, the second consecutive month of decline.
  • Core CPI, excluding food and energy, slowed to a 2.5% annual rate.
  • Inflation remains above pre-war levels and outpaces wage growth.
  • July's inflation data and a weak jobs report may lead the Federal Reserve to hold interest rates steady in September.
  • Energy prices, particularly gasoline, saw significant increases in July due to geopolitical tensions, though gas prices were slightly cheaper than in June.
  • The Federal Reserve will receive one more CPI report before its September interest rate decision.