U.S. inflation accelerated to 4.2% in May 2026, reaching its highest level in three years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Price growth has been strengthening for several consecutive months. In April, inflation stood at 3.8%; in March, it was 3.3%, while in 2025 the rate never rose above 3%.
U.S. unemployment rose to 4.2% in May
% 4.3 3.9 3.5 3.1 2.7 2.3 2.4 2.7 2.7 2.9 3.0 2.7 2.7 2.4 2.4 3.3 3.8 4.2 May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2026 Feb Mar Apr May
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Analysts attribute the acceleration in inflation primarily to higher fuel and energy prices. In their assessment, pressure on the energy market has intensified because of the crisis in the Middle East.