US inflation hit 4.2% in May 2026 while wage growth slowed to 3.4%, eroding worker purchasing power for the first time since 2023 and squeezing budgets.

US inflation hit 4.2% in May 2026 while wage growth slowed to 3.4%, eroding worker purchasing power for the first time since 2023 and squeezing budgets.

US inflation hits a three-year high at 4.2% amid rising consumer spending. Inflation at 3.8% in June priced at 56% YES.