The core PCE price index is at its lowest annual rate since April 2021, marking another step toward the Fed’s target of 2% inflation. When including gas and food prices, the overall PCE index was unchanged last month. Consumer expenditures increased 0.2% last month, a marked pullback from the 0.7% jump seen in September. When taking out inflation, however, the 0.2% real spending in October was down only slightly from September’s 0.3% gain. Holiday uncertaintyThe spending patterns last month align with the ongoing trend of people spending their money more on experiences.

---

Persons: Bharat Ramamurti, Kayla Bruun, Jill Renslow, Bruun, ” Ramamurti, ” Organizations: Minneapolis CNN, The Commerce Department, Federal Reserve, PCE, National Economic Council, CNN, Consumers, Morning, of, National Retail Federation Locations: Minneapolis, of America, Bloomington , Minnesota