The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.6% in April on a seasonally adjusted basis, following March’s 0.9% increase. Over the past 12 months, consumer prices climbed 3.8%, up from March’s 3.3% annual rate. Higher energy costs remained a major contributor, with the energy index rising 3.8% and accounting for more than 40% of the monthly increase in the all items index, while gasoline prices advanced 5.4%. Food prices also moved higher, with the food index gaining 0.5%, including a 0.7% rise in grocery prices and a 0.2% increase in dining out costs. Shelter costs continued to pressure inflation, advancing 0.6% in April. Excluding food and energy, core CPI increased 0.4% for the month and 2.8% year over year, slightly above March’s 2.6% pace. Over the past year, notable increases included airline fares (+20.7%), household furnishings and operations (+3.9%), medical care (+2.5%), recreation (+2.3%), food (+3.2%), and energy (+17.9%).

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Producer Price Index (PPI) for final demand rose 1.4% in April on a seasonally adjusted basis, following gains of 0.7% in March and 0.6% in February. Over the past 12 months, producer prices increased 6.0%, the largest annual rise since December 2022. Higher energy costs were the primary driver, with final demand energy prices jumping 7.8% and gasoline prices surging 15.6%. Final demand goods rose 2.0%, including a 0.7% increase in goods excluding food and energy, while food prices edged up 0.2%. Services prices also advanced 1.2%, led by gains in trade services and transportation and warehousing. Core PPI, which excludes foods, energy, and trade services, increased 0.6% in April and 4.4% over the past year, the strongest annual gain since February 2023. Over the past year, notable increases included transportation and warehousing services (+12.2%), trade services (+8.1%), final demand energy (+22.7%), and goods excluding food and energy (+4.6%).

The U.S. Census Bureau reported that advance U.S. retail and food services sales rose 0.5% in April to $757.1 billion on a seasonally adjusted basis, following a revised 1.6% increase in March. Compared to a year ago, retail and food services sales increased 4.9%, while sales for the February through April 2026 period were up 4.4% from the same period last year. Higher gasoline prices remained a key contributor, with gasoline station sales rising 2.8% in April and 20.9% over the past year, while nonstore retailers advanced 1.1% for the month and 11.1% year over year. Electronics & appliance stores (+1.4%), sporting goods & hobby stores (+1.4%), and food & beverage stores (+0.8%) also posted gains, while furniture & home furnishings stores (-2.0%) and clothing & clothing accessories stores (-1.5%) declined. Over the past year, the strongest category gains included sporting goods & hobby stores (+13.4%), miscellaneous store retailers (+12.8%), nonstore retailers (+11.1%), and gasoline stations (+20.9%), highlighting continued resilience in consumer spending.