Consumer Goods Prices and Inflation

Consumer prices rose slightly in August as inflation continues to cool

Rent and restaurants are causing consumers the most pain

Inflation continued to level off last month with the rising cost of rent providing the most pain for consumers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the August Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.2%. Over the last 12 months, the nation’s inflation rate is 2.5%.

The cost of shelter was the biggest driver of inflation last month, rising 0.5%. Breaking down that category further, the cost of rent rose 0.4% from July to August and was up 5% in the last 12 months.

Homeowners g...