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A fresh reading on inflation showed monthly prices rose more than expected in August, increasing the likelihood the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates next week.
A rebound to $100-a-barrel oil also complicates the picture.
Stripping out volatile food and energy prices — the way the Fed likes to scrutinize underlying inflation — the Consumer Price Index rose 0.3% month over month, compared with expectations for 0.2%. The year-over-year rate was in line with expectations for 2.4%, and down a tenth of a percentage point from July. On a headline basis, CPI rose 3.4% in August, in line with expectations, and 0.4% month over month.
"The upside surprise to core CPI in August means the Fed looks set to hike next week," said Stephen Brown, North America chief economist for Capital Economics.
