Core CPI (Excluding Food & Energy) vs Unemployment Rate
Core CPI (Excluding Food & Energy) is currently 3.1% (down -0.1%). Unemployment Rate is currently 4.1% (up +0.1%).
| Metric | Core CPI (Excluding Food & Energy) | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Current value | 3.1% | 4.1% |
| Previous reading | 3.2% | 4% |
| Change | -0.1% | +0.1% |
| Trend | down | up |
| 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 Unemployment Rate measures
The unemployment rate represents the percentage of the civilian labor force that is jobless, actively seeking work, and available to take a job. It is the most widely cited measure of labor market health.
At 4.1%, the labor market remains tight by historical standards. For executives, this means continued competition for talent and upward wage pressure in most sectors. An unemployment rate below 4.5% generally indicates a strong labor market where workers have bargaining power. Companies should expect longer time-to-hire and may need to increase compensation packages to attract top talent.
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.
Unemployment Rate is currently 4.1%, up +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 4.1%, the labor market remains tight by historical standards. For executives, this means continued competition for talent and upward wage pressure in most sectors. An unemployment rate below 4.5% g