US Inflation Rates Cool in July as Gas Prices Fall
US inflation rates have cooled in July as gas prices fell from their earlier highs, but costs remain high. The Labor Department reported that consumer prices rose 3.4% in July from a year ago, down slightly from June's rate of 3.5%. This decline suggests that the effects of the Iran war on oil and gas prices may be limited to broader economic costs.
The economy has faced several shocks, including US President Donald Trump's tariffs imposed last spring, higher gas prices due to the Iran war, and a surge in investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure that has boosted computer chip prices. However, economists note that these factors may only have temporary effects on inflation rates.
Excluding food and energy categories, core inflation rose to 2.5% in July from a year ago, down from June's rate of 2.6%. Monthly increases at about 0.2% would be low enough over time to bring inflation closer to the Federal Reserve's two percent goal.
The Federal Reserve is divided on whether it should hike its key interest rate to combat inflation. The Fed kept its rate unchanged, at about 3.6%, at a meeting late last month, but three dissenters favored a rate hike. Chair Kevin Warsh was vague about the Fed's next steps, stating that 'if inflation continues to be elevated...interest rates could well be part of that solution.'