Wholesale Inflation Sparks Debate Over Fed Rate Hike.
U.S. wholesale prices rose 0.4% in August from July, matching forecasts. The annual rate accelerated to 5.4%, up from 4.7% in July.
- 5.4% annual PPI is 0.1 percentage point above economists' expectations.
- Core PPI, excluding food and energy, rose 4.6% year-over-year in August.
- Monthly core PPI rose 0.2%, slightly below the 0.3% forecast.
- Oil prices topped $100 a barrel this week amid renewed Middle East fighting.
Why it matters: The PPI data feeds into the Fed's preferred inflation gauge and arrives one week before the Sept. 16 policy meeting, where a rate increase is under consideration.
- Annual wholesale inflation peaked at 5.9% in May; the August reading remains well above the Fed's 2% target.
- Fed Chair Kevin Warsh has recently emphasized returning inflation to 2% as the central bank's priority.
How 32 sources split on this story
Where they split: Coverage broadly agrees on the numbers; outlets diverge on whether to emphasize energy-war drivers or political pressure on the Fed and the Trump administration.
Center coverage, 15 sources: The center focuses on how the data compares with forecasts and what it signals for the Fed's upcoming rate decision.
CNBC2hConsumer prices rose 0.4% in August, as expected; core inflation was higher than estimated
Reuters1hCooling inflation strengthens bets on another Brazil rate cut
Associated Press1dUS wholesale prices rise in latest sign of stubborn inflation as oil prices continue to climb
Axios1hInflation stays hot in August as Iran war drives energy costs higherCNCTV News1hU.S. inflation picked up last month as gas prices jumped in wake of Iran war
Financial Times2hUS inflation held steady at 3.4% in August as high fuel prices persistIBTIBTimes1hCore Inflation Rose More Than Expected In August As Price Pressures Remain HighKSAKSAT 12 San Antonio1dWholesale prices moved higher last month in latest sign of stubborn inflation
MarketWatch1dWholesale inflation stirred up again by Iran war and high oil prices. What does it mean for the Fed?
Newsweek1hInflation remains elevated as diesel prices hit record highNOTNOTUS50mU.S. Inflation Accelerates as Gas Prices Continue to Climb - The Washington Sun
The Hill1hInflation held steady in August as Iran war surges oil pricesLeft coverage, 6 sources: The left emphasizes the Iran war as the driver of energy costs and highlights the burden on consumers struggling with higher prices for gas, groceries, and other essentials.
CNN1dWholesale inflation picked up in August, as energy costs kept rising
The Independent1dWholesale prices moved higher last month in latest sign of stubborn inflation
MSNBC46mConsumer prices continued to climb in August, as inflation concerns persist
CBS News1hAugust CPI report shows inflation remained at 3.4%, slightly hotter than expected
Political Wire1hInflation Was 3.4% in August with Gas Prices Still Elevated
The Washington Post2hInflation remained stubbornly higher in AugustRight coverage, 11 sources: The right stresses the political stakes for the Trump administration and Republicans in midterms, and notes Trump's pressure on the Fed to cut rather than raise rates.
Washington Examiner1dProducer price inflation rose to 5.4% in August, adding to pressure on Fed
New York Post1dWholesale inflation rises by most in 3 months ahead of Fed interest-rate decision
The Epoch Times1hUS Annual Inflation Rate Unchanged at 3.4 Percent in August
Breitbart News2hCore Prices Rise More Than Expected, Raising Odds of Fed Hike
Citizen Free Press8hCPI Inflation released for August.
Daily Mail1hAmerican consumers are getting zero relief from inflation as price increases just keep on rolling and gasoline becomes even more expensive
Just the News14hConsumer prices increase at annualized rate of 0.4% in August: Labor Department
Newsmax1dWholesale Inflation Rises to 5.4% in AugustTCSThe Center Square2hU.S. inflation remains at 3.4% in August report
The Washington Times1dWholesale prices rise slightly in August, as the Federal Reserve weighs rate increase
ZeroHedge1dRate-Hike Odds Spike As Fuel Costs Push US Producer Prices HigherWhat’s next: The Consumer Price Index releases Friday; forecasters expect inflation to hold roughly steady.
- The Fed's preferred inflation measure, the PCE index, is scheduled for release Sept. 30.
- Will Friday's CPI report tip the Fed toward a rate hike or give officials reason to hold?
- How much of the current wholesale inflation reflects temporary energy shocks versus broader price pressures?