Mixed Economic Indicators: Import Prices Weaker, Consumer Prices Stronger, and Housing Market Rent Prices Evolve

U.S. import prices rose 0.1% in September, much weaker than the expected 0.5% gain. Excluding fuel, import prices were down 0.2% for the second consecutive month. The cost of energy, particularly petroleum and natural gas, increased 4.4% in September, impacting inflation trends. The Federal Reserve will closely monitor these developments to assess inflationary trends and determine if further action is needed. Stock markets were set to open higher, while the 10-year Treasury yield dropped 10 basis points to 4.60% in early trading.