US consumer prices stayed high in August as Iran war pushed energy costs up

US consumer prices remained high in August, with the annualized inflation rate holding steady at 3.4%, matching July's figures. Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the end of the ceasefire between the US and Iran drove energy costs upward. Meanwhile, core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, rose to 2.4%. This follows a three-year peak of 4.2% recorded in May, reflecting persistent inflationary pressures within the US economy.