US consumer prices rose 0.1% month over month and 3.4% year over year in July, while core CPI, which excludes food and energy costs, rose 0.2% monthly and 2.5% yearly, all matching economists' estimates. Energy prices fell for a second month, signaling easing pressures even as gas prices remain elevated amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. Auto insurance prices declined 0.3% and are down 4.5% year over year, though private data from Insurify shows 27 states saw increases in the first six months of the year due to higher repair costs. Health insurance costs have also moderated over the past year, even as hospital services and related spending have become more expensive.
