Overview
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released its Consumer Price Index report for November 2025 on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 8:30 AM ET, revealing a 0.2 percent seasonally adjusted increase from September to November. Over the past 12 months, the CPI-U rose 2.7 percent, with core measures excluding food and energy at 2.6 percent.[3]
Key Developments
- All items index up 0.2 percent over two months, with food rising 0.2 percent in September alone and energy commodities fluctuating sharply.
- Shelter costs climbed 0.2 percent in September, contributing to a 3.0 percent 12-month gain; BLS noted, 'Shelter increased 3.0 percent over the last 12 months.'[3]
- Gasoline prices jumped 3.0 percent in November after a 4.1 percent rise in September, though annual energy commodities growth cooled to 1.2 percent.[3]
- Food at home prices up 1.9 percent annually, while food away from home rose 3.7 percent.[3]
- Released at 8:30 AM ET from Washington, D.C., via USDL-25-1584.[3]
Analysis
| Factor | Current Status | Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Economic | CPI-U +2.7% YoY; core +2.6% | Signals steady inflation near Fed's 2% target, potential for rate stability |
| Political | BLS data independent | Influences Fed policy amid fiscal debates |
| Social | Shelter +3.0%; used cars +3.6% | Heightens housing affordability concerns for renters, buyers |
Expert Reactions
BLS stated in the release: 'The Chained Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (C-CPI-U) increased 2.6 percent over the last 12 months.' No further analyst quotes available in initial data drop.[3]
What's Next
Federal Reserveederal" class="inline-tag-link">Federal Reserve likely to review data at December 17-18 FOMC meeting; next CPI for December due January 2026.