Fed Hike Looms After CPI

What happened

U.S. consumer prices rose 3.4% in August from a year earlier, and 0.4% from July, as fuel drove a faster monthly increase. Wages lagged: average hourly earnings rose 3.1%, while real pay fell 0.1% on the month. Diesel topped $6 on average in September, adding costs for farmers and freight that moves everyday goods. Renewed Middle East fighting and the U.S. war with Iran disrupted fuel flows, including through Hormuz. Fed rate-hike expectations rose, while Michigan sentiment fell to 47.8.

How each side covered it

From the left

Coverage on the left framed the week as a global central-bank test. The Guardian said U.S., Japanese and UK policymakers face rate decisions as inflation surges. It also focused on whether Kevin Warsh, Trump’s Fed pick, would resist Trump’s demands for cuts and seek higher rates. The outlet said oil above $100 and a Strait of Hormuz nearly closed to tankers complicate the decision.

From the right

Conservative coverage stressed pocketbook damage and pressure on the Fed. Fox Business said diesel climbed from $3.69 in January 2025 to a record $6.20, threatening costs across the supply chain. The Washington Times called the Fed decision Wall Street’s main focus and tied inflation above 3% to the U.S. war with Iran. The Epoch Times reported sentiment fell to a four-month low, while the Daily Caller warned grocery bills could rise.

Headlines

Fed Hike Looms After CPI

Every side, every morning

What happened

How each side covered it

From the left

From the right

Headlines

Left1

Center11

Right7

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