Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had been expecting all-items PCE to rise 0.1% on the month and 2.3% from a year ago.
Excluding food and energy, core PCE rose 0.1% in August and was up 2.7% from a year ago, the 12-month number 0.1 percentage point higher than July.
"All quiet on the inflation front," said Chris Larkin, managing director of trading and investing at E-Trade from Morgan Stanley.
Personal income increased 0.2% on the month while spending rose 0.2%.
At their meeting last week, policymakers indicated a likelihood of another half percentage point in cuts this year then a full point in reductions for 2025, though markets expect a more aggressive path.
Persons:
Dow Jones, Chris Larkin, Morgan Stanley
Organizations:
Commerce Department, Fed, Stock
Locations:
U.S