Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Inflation was up in September, according to the latest report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 3% in the last year, the highest reading since January 2025.
The CPI rose 0.3% in September, following a 0.4% increase in August. The “core” CPI, excluding food and energy components, increased by 0.2% in September after a 0.3% increase in August.
The “core” CPI increased 3.6% in the last 12 months, the lowest reading since October 2021. The component index of food rose by 3.1% and the component index of energy increased by 2.8% in September.
The shelter index increased 0.2% over the month of September and 3.6% over the last year.
Though inflation will likely stay elevated this year, the Federal Reserve is expected to ease following signs of a weakening labor market, according to an analysis by the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Eye on Housing. Rate cuts could help ease the affordability crisis and support housing supply, given the housing market’s sensitivity to interest rates.
