US CPI inflation jumped to 3.8% YoY in April 2026, outpacing 3.6% wage growth. Real wage compression frustrates voters and delays Fed rate cuts.

US CPI inflation jumped to 3.8% YoY in April 2026, outpacing 3.6% wage growth. Real wage compression frustrates voters and delays Fed rate cuts.

A key inflation gauge accelerated in April to the highest level in three years, the latest sign that spiking gas prices and higher food costs are squeezing Americans’ finances.