Inflation surpassed 4% for the first time since 2023

The U.S. annual inflation rate rose to 4.2% in May, the highest since April 2023, with energy prices surging 23.5% year-over-year. Inflation outpaced wage growth for the second consecutive month, leading to declining real earnings and financial strain on middle-income households. Experts attribute persistent inflation to supply chain disruptions in the Middle East and note a 'bifurcated' consumer spending pattern across income groups.