Nick Timiraos, chief economics correspondent at The Wall Street Journal, reported key inflation metrics on X today, October 29, 2026. Timiraos stated that "Core PCE was 0.32% in September. The 12-month change was 3.1% (vs 3.0% in August and 2.8% one year earlier). The 6-month annualized rate was 2.9% (vs 2.8% in August and 2.9% one year earlier). The 3-month annualized rate was 2.9% (vs 2.2% in August and 2.6% one year earlier)". This data provides a comprehensive look at recent inflationary trends, a critical input for economic policy decisions.
This inflation data arrives as market participants debate the Federal Reserve's next moves. Recent Gokhshtein Media coverage noted the Kobeissi Letter's view that rising inflation indicates a December rate hike. Another report highlighted that PCE inflation has cooled sentiment, while consumer giants are signaling 2027 price hikes, which could threaten the Fed's disinflationary path. Iron ore prices falling below $90 per ton, however, suggested disinflationary pressures that might ease central bank action.
Timiraos's detailed breakdown of Core PCE, particularly the annualized rates, suggests a persistent inflation challenge for the Federal Reserve. The 12-month change increased to 3.1% from 3.0% in August, indicating that inflation remains above the Fed's target. Policymakers will likely scrutinize these figures for signs of embedded inflation, potentially influencing decisions on interest rates and monetary policy outlook.
