Consumer prices jumped last month as businesses struggled to keep pace with booming demand, but the Biden administration and the Federal Reserve say the uptick in inflation is likely to be temporary.
Consumer prices rose 0.4% in August and 1.3% over the last 12 months. Some economists say that official measure understates inflation, because the pandemic has changed both what and how we buy.
The Federal Reserve is adjusting its long-range policy on inflation and employment. The central bank said it's now more concerned with prices that are too low than with runaway inflation.