Inflation eased last month, but prices remain elevated for American consumers. Retail spending decreased sharply, surprising economists and signaling a slowdown. Existing home sales declined due to record prices and high mortgage rates. Wholesale inflation also fell, offering some relief for future consumer prices. Jobless claims rose slightly but the labor market remains stable.

The modest decline could ease pressure on the Federal Reserve to raise their key interest rate to combat rising costs. Yet prices are still rising more quickly than average wages,…

The net result is that the average American household’s buying power has dwindled by 0.1% over the past year.