US Inflation Persists, Higher In September Over Prior Month

US inflation jumped more than expected in September, according to government data released Thursday, in the latest sign that pricing pressures have become more intractable despite aggressive central bank action.

US prices rose 0.4 percent in September compared to August, twice the 0.2 percent projected by analysts, with price increases for food, shelter and medical care weighing on consumers, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The annual rate of inflation slowed slightly to 8.2 percent from 8.3 percent, according to the report.

The data comprise the final consumer inflation report before US midterm elections in which Republicans have sought to blame President Joe Biden's Democratic party for the price increases.