US consumer-price data for September indicate that inflation is easing modestly, offering some relief to the Federal Reserve ahead of its next policy decision, even as broader cost pressures remain in certain sectors.

Data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rising 0.3% in September, slightly lower than the 0.4% increase recorded in August.

On an annual basis, inflation stood at 3.0%, compared with 2.9% in August. Both readings came in just below market expectations of 0.4% month-on-month and 3.1% year-on-year. The increase was largely driven by a 4.1% jump in gasoline prices.

When excluding food and energy—categories known for volatility—the core CPI rose 0.2% in September, with the annual rate holding at 3.0%.

A significant slowdown in ren

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