Topline
Spending slowed down for a second-straight month in September as inflation improved slightly, according to federal data released Friday, which found the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge fell in line with Wall Street’s expectations.
An earlier delayed data release indicated consumer prices continued to rise in the month.
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Key Facts
Annual inflation was 2.8% in September, the Bureau of Economic Analysis reported Friday for core consumption expenditures (PCE) price index data, matching August’s price increases and Wall Street’s estimates, according to FactSet.
The Federal Reserve prefers core PCE data to consumer price inflation reports because it allows the central bank to better understand how Americans spend their money and how their spending habits change over time.
The inflation reading remained above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target for core PCE inflation for the 55th consecutive month.
Headline PCE was 2.8%, matching analyst estimates.
Inflation-adjusted consumer spending was unchanged from August to September after increasing by 0.4%, while personal income jumped 0.4%.
What To Watch For
The Fed’s last policymaking meeting this year is scheduled for next week, amid rising expectations that officials will cut interest rates for a third time. Traders are pricing in 87% odds that rates will be lowered to a range of 3.5% and 3.75%, according to CME’s FedWatch. September’s inflation report is the latest data released under the Trump administration since the government shutdown ended, as other reports, including October and November employment data, have been postponed for later this month. The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced last month that October’s employment data would be partially released with November’s report, scheduled for Dec. 16.
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Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2025/12/05/inflation-improved-in-september-but-remained-high-as-spending-slowed-delayed-data-shows/


