Energy and food prices drove inflation in December
1. December's CPI rose 2.9% year-on-year, above expectations. 2. Energy prices contributed significantly, with a 2.6% increase in December. 3. Food prices rose modestly; eggs saw a dramatic 36.8% annual increase. 4. Household budgets strained due to rising energy and food costs. 5. Inflation concerns may influence Federal Reserve's monetary policy decisions.