The Consumer Price Index was flat in May, while the core measure that strips out food and energy rose 0.2%, the Labor Department said on Wednesday. Why it matters: For the second straight month, inflation slowed — welcome news for American households and policymakers after a hot start to 2024. By the numbers: The latest CPI figures show overall prices did not rise at all — compared to the 0.3% increase in April, while the core measure rose by the same amount. • Over the last 12 months ending in May, the index rose 3.3%, compared to 3.4% in April. The core index rose 3.4% over the last 12 months, down from 3.6% the ... (full story)