Core CPI (Excluding Food & Energy) vs Labor Force Participation Rate
Core CPI (Excluding Food & Energy) is currently 3.1% (down -0.1%). Labor Force Participation Rate is currently 62.5% (flat +0.1%).
| Metric | Core CPI (Excluding Food & Energy) | Labor Force Participation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Current value | 3.1% | 62.5% |
| Previous reading | 3.2% | 62.4% |
| Change | -0.1% | +0.1% |
| Trend | down | flat |
| Frequency | Monthly | Monthly |
| Source | Bureau of Labor Statistics | Bureau of Labor Statistics |
| Last updated | 2026-03-12 | 2026-04-04 |
| Category | inflation | employment |
What Core CPI (Excluding Food & Energy) measures
Core CPI measures consumer price changes excluding food and energy, which are volatile and often driven by supply factors rather than monetary policy. It is the Fed's preferred gauge of underlying inflation trends.
Core CPI at 3.1% shows that underlying inflation remains sticky above the Fed's 2% target. Housing costs and services inflation are the primary culprits. For executives, sticky core inflation means the Fed is unlikely to cut interest rates soon, keeping borrowing costs elevated. Budget planners should assume inflation-adjusted cost increases of 3%+ for services, labor, and real estate.
What Labor Force Participation Rate measures
The labor force participation rate measures the percentage of the civilian population aged 16+ that is either employed or actively seeking employment. It reflects how many people are engaged in or looking for work.
At 62.5%, participation remains below the pre-pandemic level of 63.3% and well below the 2000 peak of 67.3%. For executives, the structural decline in participation — driven by an aging population and early retirements — means the pool of available workers is permanently smaller. Companies cannot assume that enough workers will 'return' to the labor force; the talent shortage is structural, not cyclical.
Frequently asked
Core CPI (Excluding Food & Energy) is currently 3.1%, down -0.1% from the previous reading. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, updated monthly.
Labor Force Participation Rate is currently 62.5%, flat +0.1% from the previous reading. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, updated monthly.
Core CPI at 3.1% shows that underlying inflation remains sticky above the Fed's 2% target. Housing costs and services inflation are the primary culprits. For executives, sticky core inflation means th At 62.5%, participation remains below the pre-pandemic level of 63.3% and well below the 2000 peak of 67.3%. For executives, the structural decline in participation — driven by an aging population and