The Fed's favorite inflation gauge just came in mostly cool, but hot under the surface again
Briefly

The Fed's favorite inflation gauge just came in mostly cool, but hot under the surface again
"The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge mostly held steady last month despite President Donald Trump's broad-based tariffs, but a measure of underlying inflation increased. Prices rose 2.6% in July compared with a year ago, the Commerce Department said Friday, the same annual increase as in June. Excluding the volatile food and energy categories, prices rose 2.9% from a year earlier, up from 2.8% in the previous month and the highest since February."
"Separately, the Friday report showed that consumer spending jumped 0.5% in July, the biggest increase since March and a sign that many Americans are still willing to open their wallets despite high interest rates and uncertainty surrounding the direction of the economy. Spending jumped sharply for long-lasting goods such as cars, appliances and furniture, many of which are imported. Incomes rose 0.4% from June to July, boosted by a healthy gain in wages and salaries, the report showed."
"On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 0.2% from June to July, down from 0.3% the previous month, while core prices increased 0.3% for the second month in a row. The figures are similar to those reported earlier this month in the more widely-followed consumer price index, which has risen 2.7% from a year ago. The core CPI increased 3.1% in July compared with a year earlier."
The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge rose 2.6% year-over-year in July, unchanged from June. Core inflation, excluding food and energy, rose 2.9% year-over-year, the highest since February. Monthly consumer prices increased 0.2% from June to July, while core monthly prices rose 0.3% for the second consecutive month. The broader CPI showed similar moves, with headline CPI up 2.7% year-over-year and core CPI up 3.1% in July. Consumer spending increased 0.5% in July, driven by purchases of long-lasting goods, and incomes rose 0.4% driven by higher wages.
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