Core consumer prices in the United States, which exclude food and energy, rose by 0.2% from the previous month in May 2026, following a 0.4% advance in April and slightly below market expectations of a 0.3% increase. Indexes that increased over the month include communication, airline fares, medical care, personal care, and recreation, while decreases were seen in motor vehicle insurance, household furnishings, and new vehicles. On a yearly basis, core inflation rose to 2.9% in May from 2.8% in the prior month, in line with the market consensus.