Official data hindered by government shutdown; alternative price indicators show easing inflationary pressures

Jinse Finance reported that, according to price data from the U.S. price statistics organization OpenBrand, inflation for U.S. consumer durables and personal goods slowed in October for the first time in three months. The organization's index measuring prices of large items and personal care products rose by 0.22% last month, down from a 0.48% increase in September. OpenBrand tracks prices daily from online marketplaces, retail websites, and physical store listings, and stated that price growth slowed across all categories except for communication devices. Michael Metcalfe, head of macro strategy at State Street Bank, said, "As we enter the seasonal discount period, this still needs to be monitored closely, but for now, inflation remains resilient but not alarming." These results indicate that as inflation-weary consumers become more cost-conscious, merchants are limiting price increases to maintain market share. The data also suggests that tariffs have had an uneven impact on consumer prices in recent months, rather than causing sustained cumulative price pressure. With the release of official reports delayed due to the federal government's record shutdown, alternative economic data is receiving increased attention.