Consumer prices

China's factory-gate inflation eased for the first time since the Iran war broke out, while consumer prices also decelerated. These signs indicate that cost pressures resulting from the oil shock are starting to fade.

U.S. wholesale inflation fell 0.3% in June due to plunging energy prices, but rising tensions with Iran are creating uncertainty. Year-over-year wholesale prices increased 5.5%, down from 6% in May, while core wholesale prices rose 4.7% compared to June 2025. Producer prices dropped alongside consumer prices, easing pressure on the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates, though inflation remains above its 2% target.

U.S. producer prices fell 0.3% in June compared to May due to plunging energy prices, though annual inflation remained at 5.5%. Rising tensions with Iran and a new blockade in the Strait of Hormuz are worsening the outlook for energy prices and economic stability.

US Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh emphasized the Fed's commitment to addressing inflation, dismissing a recent decline in consumer prices as 'just one datapoint' and avoiding direct answers about potential rate hikes. President Donald Trump cited the same inflation data to claim administrative success, while Warsh linked higher mortgage rates to inflation exceeding the Fed's goals.

Consumer prices increased 3.5% annually in June, below the expected 3.8% rise, as energy prices declined. The easing of energy costs contributed to the lower-than-anticipated inflation rate.

Consumer prices fell for the first time since the 2020 pandemic, driven by a plunge in gas prices during an Iran ceasefire. However, renewed conflict threatens to undermine progress in the fight against high inflation.

The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge reached a three-year high in May as gas prices peaked, with consumer prices rising 4.1% annually, the largest increase since April 2023. Monthly inflation was 0.4%, matching April's rise.

Senate Republicans rejected a war powers resolution after President Donald Trump criticized them for opposing his Iran war, while congressional Democrats demanded investigations into the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool's troubled $16 million renovation. A key inflation gauge rose to a three-year high in May, driven by higher gas prices and computer equipment costs.

China's consumer prices rose 1.2% year-on-year in May, while producer prices increased 3.9%, driven by higher costs for energy, semiconductors, and metals. Economists suggest this signals a shift from the 2025 deflation scare to reflation, though challenges remain.

U.S. consumers faced higher prices in May, with inflation reaching its highest level in over three years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 4.2% annual increase in consumer prices.

Consumer prices increased by 4.2% annually in May, marking the highest rise in three years. The consumer price index matched the 4.2% gain predicted by the Dow Jones consensus estimate.

China’s factory gate prices rose by 3.9% year-on-year in May, exceeding forecasts, driven by higher oil costs from the war in Iran. Consumer prices increased by 1.2%, unchanged from April and below expectations, highlighting a divergence between producer and consumer inflation.

Chile's consumer prices rose 0.2% in May, below the median forecast of 0.4% in a Bloomberg survey. This follows a fuel-driven spike in March when prices increased by 1.0%, and the data arrives just before a central bank rate decision.

Inflation is creating a new economic reality for American families by amplifying the economy's 'K shape' and reducing spending among lower- and middle-income consumers, according to the Fed’s beige book reports.

A Santander bank employee was arrested in Chile as part of an $85 million crime sting. Chile's consumer prices likely experienced a significant monthly increase, attributed to the government's decision to let fuel costs rise.

A dollar store chain is closing more stores as its name no longer aligns with rising prices, signaling financial strain. The decision reflects challenges in maintaining affordability amid inflationary pressures.

U.S. inflation rose to 3.8% in April, the highest level since May 2023, driven by surging gasoline prices, higher air fares, and housing costs. Gas prices increased $1.50 per gallon since the U.S.-Iran conflict began, while diesel fuel costs rose $1.88, contributing to 40% of the monthly CPI increase. Housing price jumps were partly influenced by a statistical anomaly from a prior government shutdown.

Australia's inflation surged to 4.6% in March, the fastest pace in two and a half years, driven by an Iran war-linked fuel shock. Financial markets anticipate the Reserve Bank of Australia will raise interest rates for a third consecutive meeting to combat rising prices.

The UK's inflation rate has accelerated due to rising petrol costs, which have driven up overall consumer prices. This increase is attributed to higher energy prices impacting household budgets and economic activity.

Consumer prices in March rose 3.3% year-over-year, the largest increase in nearly two years, driven by soaring gasoline prices linked to the war with Iran. Energy costs spiked due to the conflict, contributing significantly to inflationary pressures.