Inflation rose 0.4% last month, more than expected

By Elisabeth Buchwald, Alicia Wallace, CNN

(CNN) — The cost of everyday necessities continued to climb in October, putting more pressure on Americans already struggling to keep up with grocery bills, housing costs and other household expenses.

Consumer prices rose 0.4% from a month earlier, more than the 0.3% increase economists had anticipated, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics released Tuesday.

No year-over-year inflation figure was available because last year’s government shutdown prevented the BLS from collecting most of the price data needed to make the comparison.

The report comes days after Democrats scored sweeping midterm victories, with frustration over the cost of living emerging as a major issue for voters.

Prices continue to rise faster than workers’ pay, meaning Americans’ earnings are losing ground to the cost of living.

This story is developing and will be updated.

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