Politics · United States · 1 hr ago
US inflation rises as midterm elections approach
US inflation rose faster in September, just weeks before voters choose members of Congress in the 3 November midterm elections.
Prices increased 0.6% during the month, up from 0.4% in August, and were 3.7% higher than a year earlier.
Energy costs drove more than half the monthly increase, as the war involving Iran pushed oil prices higher and raised the cost of fuel.
But inflation also spread beyond energy, with prices for computers, software, toys and other goods rising.
Higher transport and agricultural costs could also push grocery prices up, though food prices rose only 1.8% in September.
Affordability is a major concern for voters, making the latest price increases a challenge for Donald Trump and the Republicans.
The International Energy Agency says the world could remain short of diesel until the middle of next year, while voters go to the polls on 3 November.
US inflation rose in September, with prices increasing faster than in August.
The annual inflation rate reached 3.7 per cent, up from 3.4 per cent previously.
Energy costs accounted for more than half of the monthly increase, while prices also rose in several other categories.
The inflation figures come less than three weeks before the US midterm elections on 3 November.
Affordability and the economy are top concerns for voters, according to the Guardian.
- Who
- US consumers are facing higher prices, and the inflation figures pose a political challenge for Donald Trump and Republicans.
- What
- US inflation accelerated in September, with prices rising 0.6 per cent from August and 3.7 per cent year on year.
- When
- September 2026; the data was reported ahead of the 3 November midterm elections.
- Where
- United States.
- Why
- Energy prices drove more than half of the monthly increase. The articles also describe rising costs in other areas, including computers, toys and apparel.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
US consumer prices rose 0.4 per cent.
Prices rose 0.6 per cent from August, and the annual inflation rate reached 3.7 per cent.
SMH reported the September inflation figures less than three weeks before the midterm elections.
The US midterm elections are scheduled to take place.
- Monthly inflation
- 0.6 per cent in September, compared with 0.4 per cent in August
- Annual inflation
- 3.7 per cent, up from 3.4 per cent previously
- Core inflation
- 0.3 per cent monthly; 2.6 per cent year on year
- Energy contribution
- More than half of the overall monthly increase
- Midterm election date
- 3 November 2026
2 sources
What people are saying
unlikely to materially affect