U.S. consumer prices rose 0.4% in October, more than forecast, while core inflation also rose more than expected, food and housing costs increased, and missing data prevented an annual comparison.
The monthly increase was slower than September’s 0.6% rise. It still exceeded economists’ forecast of 0.3%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Core prices, which exclude food and energy, rose 0.3%.
That was also above forecasts and matched the pace of the previous two months. Shelter costs rose 0.3% and made up more than 30% of the overall October increase. Food prices rose 0.5% after staying unchanged in September.
Energy prices rose 0.7%, a much slower increase than September’s 5.2% jump. The Bureau of Labor Statistics did not publish October inflation figures compared with a year earlier. The 2025 government shutdown left it without October 2025 price data for comparison.
The report adds to the challenge facing the Federal Reserve as it considers its next interest-rate move. Persistent core inflation may make it harder to bring price growth under control, even as the overall monthly increase cooled.