The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes the August Consumer Price Index report on September 11. This data serves as the final inflation indicator before the Federal Reserve meeting scheduled for September 15–16.
Analysts project a 0.4% month-over-month rise in headline CPI, compared to 0.1% in July. Year-over-year headline inflation is expected to reach 3.3%–3.4%. Core CPI is forecast to grow 0.2% monthly, resulting in a 2.4% annual rate.
Gasoline prices rose to $4.192 per gallon in August from $4.064 in July. This energy cost increase is identified as a primary driver of renewed inflationary pressure.
The market currently estimates a 70% probability of a 25-basis-point interest rate hike at the upcoming FOMC meeting. Higher rates typically impact real estate, utilities, and technology stocks by increasing borrowing costs.
