Inflation rose 2.9% on an annual basis in December, with the latest Consumer Price Index illustrating the Federal Reserve's challenge in battling stickier-than-expected price increases.

The consumer price index, commonly referred to as CPI ... Food prices increased 0.3% compared to November and 2.5% compared to a year ago. Energy prices increased 2.6% compared to a month ago ...

The December CPI report, due Wednesday, is predicted to show another month of sticky inflation. Gas, food, vehicle, and shelter costs are among the areas believed to have kept the CPI elevated.

Additionally, core CPI came in lower than expected, slowing to 3.2% year-over-year. Compared to last month, headline prices were up 0.4%, as expected, while core prices rose 0.2% — lower than ...

The December Consumer Price Index report showed an acceleration in year-on-year total CPI inflation to 2.9%, the highest rate since July 2024. Meanwhile, core CPI remained sticky and elevated but ...

For the record, headline December CPI increased 0.4% month over month – a slight increase over the 0.3% rate seen in each of the previous four months – to match economists' expectations.