US President Donald Trump on Wednesday appeared to welcome fresh data showing inflation had jumped to an annual rate of 4.2% in May, telling reporters: "I love the inflation".
Prices have risen sharply in recent months amid the US's war in Iran, with Tehran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz having a major impact on global markets. Inflation rose from 2.4% in February - before the outbreak of the conflict - to 3.3% in March and 3.8% in April.