Core consumer prices in the United States, which exclude food and energy, rose by 0.4% from the previous month in April of 2026, the most in over one year, overshooting market expectations of a 0.3% increase. The jump reflected the spread of higher energy prices from the war in the Middle East to core areas of the consumer basket. Prices rose sharply for shelter (0.6% vs 0.3% in March), transportation services (0.3% vs 0.6%), and apparel (0.6% vs 1%).