September's Consumer Price Index (CPI) is expected to show inflation holding stubbornly around 3%, underscoring how tariffs and service-sector stickiness continue to complicate the Federal Reserve's path toward its 2% target. The report, set for release on Friday at 8:30 a.m. ET, was delayed by the ongoing government shutdown. It marks the first major piece of federal economic data since the shutdown began — now the second-longest in US history with no end in sight. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg expect headline CPI to rise 0.4% month over month, matching August's pace, and 3.1% year over year — the highest since ... (full story)