U.S. inflation just did something unexpected | April, 2025

Stripping out the more volatile food and energy components, “core” inflation also firmed slightly, with the core CPI advancing 0.2 percent in April—up from a 0.1 percent gain the prior month. Over the year, core prices have been supported by the services sectors, even as some goods categories have softened.

Within the detailed breakdown, food-at-home costs rose 2.0 percent year-on-year, led by higher prices for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs, while fruits and vegetables recorded modest declines. Energy prices bounced back 0.7 percent in April after a March drop, but remain about 3.7 percent below their level a year earlier as gasoline costs continue to ease.