The PCE price index for April was expected to show an annual inflation rate of 3.8% for all items and 3.3% for core.

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.

Consumers now expect prices to rise 4.8% over the next year, up from 3.4% in February, and businesses and bond markets are signaling similar expectations.