2026.09.1112:30:00UTC+00US Core CPI Edges Higher to 0.3% in August, Signaling Sticky Underlying Inflation

The United States Core Consumer Price Index (Core CPI) rose 0.3% month-over-month in August 2026, up from a 0.2% increase recorded in July 2026, according to data updated on 11 September 2026. The Core CPI measure excludes volatile food and energy components and is closely watched as a gauge of underlying inflation pressures in the economy.

On a month-over-month basis, the latest reading indicates that price pressures firmed slightly compared with the previous period. In July 2026, core prices advanced 0.2% versus the month before, while August’s 0.3% gain shows a modest acceleration in the pace of underlying inflation.

The comparison framework is strictly month-over-month: the “actual” figure reflects the change in August relative to July, while the “previous” figure reflects July’s change relative to June. The uptick in Core CPI will likely feed into ongoing market debates over how persistent inflation remains and what that could mean for the trajectory of U.S. economic policy going forward.