WASHINGTON — U.S. inflation picked up a bit last month as food costs rose, though overall inflation remained mostly tame.

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U.S. inflation picked up a bit last month as food costs rose, though overall inflation remained mostly tame

Consumer prices increased 2.4% last month compared to a year ago, according to a Labor Department report released Wednesday

That is up from a 2.3% yearly increase in April

Excluding the volatile food and energy categories, core prices rose 2.8% for the third straight month

The figures suggest inflation remains stubbornly above the Federal Reserve's 2% target, which makes it less likely that the central bank will cut its key short-term interest rate

Consumer prices increased 2.4% in May compared with a year ago, according to a Labor Dep

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