AI Data Insight
In September 2026 (Q3), the 25th percentile of US one-year ahead inflation expectations dropped to 2.4175%, a significant pullback from the previous value of 2.5375%. Although energy prices pushed up the overall median inflation expectation, underlying data shows that the concerns of some consumers who are more optimistic about prices have begun to cool. The divergence in public expectations will test the Federal Reserve's future policy handling.