The consumer price index increased by 2.9 percent in December from a year earlier, the Labor Department reported Wednesday, in line with economists’ expectations and hotter than a 2.7 percent rise in November. It was also above a 2.6 percent annual increase in October.

The annual inflation rate for housing and household services was 6.0% in December 2024, up from 5.8% in November. This compares with a recent peak of 11.8% observed in January and February 2023. On a monthly basis, prices rose by 0.4% in December 2024, compared with a rise of 0.3% a year ago.

U.S. inflation accelerated last month as prices for gas, eggs, and used cars rose, yet underlying price pressures also showed signs of easing, bolstering hopes that the Federal Reserve could still cut its key interest rate this year.