Economy

Consumer prices likely stayed elevated in December as data recovers from shutdown

January 13, 2026

Consumer prices likely stayed elevated in December as data recovers from shutdownInflation likely remained elevated last month as the cost of electricity, groceries, and clothing may have jumped and continued to pressure consumers’ walletsByCHRISTOPHER RUGABER AP economics writerJanuary 12, 2026, 5:46 PMWASHINGTON -- Inflation likely remained elevated last month as the cost of electricity, groceries, and clothing may have jumped and continued to pressure consumers' wallets. The Labor Department is expected to report that consumer prices rose 2.6% in December compared with a year earlier, according to economists' estimates compiled by data provider FactSet. The yearly rate would be down from 2.7% in November.

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Monthly prices, however, are expected to rise 0.3% in December, faster than is consistent with the Federal Reserve's 2% inflation goal.
The figures are harder to predict this month, however, because the six-week government shutdown last fall suspended the collection of price data used to compile the inflation rate.
Some economists expect the December figures will show a bigger jump in inflation as the data collection process gets back to normal.
Core prices, which exclude the volatile food and energy categories, are also expected to rise 0.3% in December from the previous month, and 2.7% from a year earlier.
The yearly core figure would be an increase from 2.6% in November.

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Consumer prices likely stayed elevated in December as data recovers from shutdown

This quick summary is automatically generated using AI based on reports from multiple news sources. The content has not been reviewed or verified by humans. For complete details, accuracy, and context, please refer to the original published articles.

Consumer prices likely stayed elevated in December as data recovers from shutdown

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