US inflation rate flat at 3.7% in September

The US annual inflation rate remained unchanged in September, despite higher energy costs, including gasoline.

The US consumer price index (CPI) rose 0.4% in September, compared to forecasts of 0.3%. It increased by 0.6% in August. On an annual basis, it accelerated 3.7%, above forecasts of 3.6%. It was flat month-on-month (MoM).

Excluding volatile food and energy prices, the core CPI increased 0.3% MoM. The advance slowed to 4.1% on an annual basis from 4.3% in August.

The CPI report raises the prospect that the Federal Reserve may raise interest rates in the next meeting.