Core Inflation Rate
Core inflation — the Consumer Price Index excluding food and energy — is the measure most closely watched by the Federal Reserve when making interest rate decisions. By stripping out volatile food and energy prices, core CPI reveals the underlying inflation trend in the broader economy. The current core inflation rate is tracked live on this page.
CPI Inflation (YoY)
2.43%
Bureau of Labor Statistics
After peaking at 6.6% in September 2022, core CPI has declined but remains above the Fed's 2% inflation target. The stickiest components of core inflation include shelter costs (owner's equivalent rent), medical services, and services broadly. Services inflation has proven more persistent than goods inflation, which already fell back to near-zero as supply chains normalized.
? Frequently Asked Questions
What is core inflation?
Core inflation is the CPI measure that excludes food and energy prices, which tend to be volatile and driven by temporary supply shocks. It provides a cleaner read on persistent inflation trends.
Why does the Fed use core inflation?
The Fed uses core PCE (similar to core CPI) as its primary inflation gauge because food and energy prices can swing dramatically due to weather, geopolitical events, and commodity markets — factors monetary policy can't address.
What is 'supercore' inflation?
Supercore inflation — services excluding housing — became a popular Fed focus in 2022-2023. It excludes both energy/food AND shelter costs, focusing on services where labor costs drive inflation, making it a good indicator of wage-driven price pressures.
Track This Data Live on TrackTheDollar.com
Get real-time charts, live counters, and the full macro dashboard — all sourced from official U.S. government APIs. No ads on the dashboard. No paywalled data.
Open Live Dashboard