Consumer prices rose at annual rate of 2.9% in August, as weekly jobless claims jump
1. Consumer price index rose 0.4% in August, indicating inflation pressures. 2. Annual inflation rate now at 2.9%, matching economists' expectations. 3. Core inflation, excluding food and energy, increased by 0.3% to 3.1%. 4. Jobless claims unexpectedly rose to 263,000, surpassing estimates. 5. Economic signals present challenges for the Federal Reserve's upcoming decisions.