Definition
A monthly government measure of how much the prices people pay for everyday goods and services have changed.
The story
Picture filling the same shopping cart every month: groceries, rent, gas, a haircut, car insurance. CPI is the government pricing that same cart every month. When people say "inflation is 3%," they usually mean the cart costs about 3% more than it did a year ago.
Why markets watch it
Inflation drives the Fed's rate decisions, so a CPI surprise can move stocks, bonds, the dollar and gold within minutes of 7:30 AM CT (Central Time).
IN HISTORICAL DATA
Latest Inflation (CPI): Wed, Oct 14, 2026 · Hotter
- Actual vs forecast
- Core +0.3% m/m vs +0.2%
- S&P 500
- -1.1%
- Nasdaq
- -1.9%
- Gold
- Spot -1.7% to $4086.06
History, not a prediction. Every row lists its sources.
All Inflation (CPI) →See it in the story
Connects to
SurpriseThe Federal ReserveInflationCore CPIHeadline vs. corePCE price index
Last seen in
We explain why it moves markets. What you do with it is your call. Commentary and education only. Not financial advice. All terms