September CPI, the last before the midterms, is expected to show inflation rising to 3.6%–3.7% from 3.4%
NBC News says higher diesel prices since the Iran war began Feb. 28 drive most of the rise.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics releases the report at 8:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 14. NBC News puts the forecast at 3.7%; the Dow Jones survey of forecasters cited by CNBC and Kiplinger has 3.6%. Louisiana GOP Senate nominee Julia Letlow (Rep-R Louisiana) says diesel costs have some farmers close to going under, NBC reports.