US Inflation Eases in December, Core Prices Slowdown Signals Fed's Next Move

• US consumer prices rose at a slower pace in December, indicating easing inflation.
• Core Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 0.2% month-on-month and 2.6% year-on-year, both below market expectations.
• The 2.6% annual rise in core CPI is the slowest since March 2021.
• Headline all-items CPI rose 0.3% monthly and 2.7% year-on-year, matching November's figures.
• Inflation has significantly decreased from its June 2022 peak of 9.1% but remains stubbornly near 3%.

Why It Matters: US inflation eased in December, with core prices slowing, influencing the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions.