HIGHER ENERGY PRICES LIFT US INFLATION BEFORE MIDTERM ELECTIONS

What happened: Higher energy prices drove US inflation in September, with the consumer price index up 0.6% for the month, the largest rise in five months, ahead of midterm elections centered on affordability. Key numbers: CPI +0.6% monthly, +3.7% yearly. Gasoline +9.1% monthly, +34.2% yearly, near $4.50 a gallon. Fuel oil +15.3% monthly, +74.2% yearly. Why it matters: The data keeps the Federal Reserve under pressure to raise interest rates a second time this year, and Democrats blamed Trump and Republicans for higher costs with midterm elections weeks away. Coverage: 3 outlets in 24h

Higher energy prices drove US inflation in September, with the consumer price index up 0.6% for the month, the largest rise in five months, ahead of midterm elections centered on affordability.

The data keeps the Federal Reserve under pressure to raise interest rates a second time this year, and Democrats blamed Trump and Republicans for higher costs with midterm elections weeks away.