Inflation in the US has slowed its rate of increase, prices remain at high levels

U.S. consumer prices rose 0.4% month-over-month in October, slowing from September's 0.6% pace, though underlying price pressures remained firm. Food prices drew particular attention for their continued climb, while stickiness in core inflation signaled that price pressures have not yet eased. The data matter because they inform the Federal Reserve's assessment of whether inflation is durably cooling as it weighs the path of interest rates. Investors will watch upcoming inflation and labor-market readings, along with Fed commentary, for signals on the timing of any policy shift.