Annual inflation rose to 3.7% in September, up from 3.4% in August. Prices climbed 0.6% for the month.
Why it matters: This is the last inflation report before the November midterms, which will decide control of Congress. Energy costs tied to the Iran war drove much of the increase.
Where they split: Coverage differs on whether a strong economy offsets inflation, or whether weak September hiring signals new strain.
Center coverage, 31 sources: The center treats it as a market data release, measuring results against economists' forecasts.
Left coverage, 25 sources: The left focuses on the Iran war's push on energy prices and a hotter-than-expected reading for households.
Right coverage, 19 sources: The right frames the report as a political threat to President Donald Trump and Republicans before the midterms.
What’s next: The Fed meets Oct. 28 after raising rates a quarter point last month, its first hike since 2023.
