Fed's favorite inflation gauge cooled more than expected in November

An inflation measure closely watched by the Federal Reserve cooled again in November, providing some welcome relief to millions of Americans who have been crushed by higher prices.

The personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index showed that consumer prices fell 0.1% from the previous month, according to the Labor Department. On an annual basis, prices climbed 2.6% — down from the revised 2.9% recorded the previous month.

The figures were both below estimates from Refintiv economists.

In another sign the Fed's fight against inflation is making progress, core prices — which strip out the more volatile measurements of food and energy — climbed 0.1% from the previous month and 3.2% from the previous year. It marked the best reading for core inflation since 2021.

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