Prisveksten i USA kom inn på 3,7 prosent i september

Ameican inflation rose by 3.7% in September, according to the latest data. This was higher than the expected 3.6% and the 3.4% increase in the previous month of August. The Federal Reserve, America's central bank, is closely monitoring core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices. Analysts were expecting an increase of 2.5%, compared to 2.4% in August.

Energy prices increased by a total of 5.2% from August to September. The Fed raised interest rates in September in an attempt to cool down the economy and inflation. This was the first rate hike since 2023. Inflation remains above the target of around 2%, and most members of the monetary committee signaled further hikes in 2026 following the September hike.

The next Fed meeting is scheduled for late October. According to the CME Fedwatch tool, there is a 21.6% probability of a rate increase before the current inflation numbers are released. Rising energy prices due to the Hormuz Strait conflict between the US and Iran can also impact core inflation through transportation services and air tickets.

A senior economist at DNB Carnegie, Knut A. Magnussen, noted that higher energy prices could also influence core inflation through transportation services and air travel. He also said that a lot needs to happen before the US rate hike in October becomes relevant. - Magnussen believes that if it becomes relevant now, it would be quite surprising on the core inflation side.