Annualized inflation eased to a 2.3 percent pace, the lowest since early 2021. But the month-to-month pace of inflation increased.

The U.S. Federal Reserve in May warned that America is facing an increased risk of stagflation. Inflation data for April somewhat assuages that fear.

Inflation slowed to the lowest point in four years last month, but progress in reining it in will likely end there as higher tariffs start to push up the cost of consumer goods. The consumer price index climbed 2.

The improvement in inflation comes as President Donald Trump secures a couple of important trade deals. Consumer prices rose less than expected in April, with the pace of annual inflation falling to its lowest level since early 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Tuesday.

Inflation rose less than expected in April, as prices rose 2.3% over the year, down from 2.4% in March. Prices for gas and groceries fell, but housing and eating at restaurants got more expensive. Inflation was slightly milder than forecasters had expected, before consumers faced the full brunt of President Donald Trump's import taxes.

Because it's based on third-quarter inflation, it's impossible to predict the 2026 COLA with any degree of accuracy. Because of the ongoing tariff back-and-forth, as well as a generally slowing U.S. economy, the inflation rate on the back end of the year is more uncertain than it usually is.

Inflation eased in April with drops in gas and egg prices, but ODU's Bob McNab warns tariffs could drive prices back up this summer.