The consumer price index (CPI) rose +0.8% in November, dragging the year-over-year headline increase up from +6.2% to +6.8%, the highest since 1982. Energy prices were the primary contributor with a substantial +3.5% increase during the month. Within the energy component, gasoline prices rose +6.1%, while both new (+1.1%) and used (+2.5%) vehicle prices remained elevated. Increased holiday travel added price pressure to both airfare (+4.7%) and lodging (+3.2%). Core CPI (which excludes food and energy prices) rose +0.5% in November and +4.9% year-over-year, the highest since 1990.

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