The consumer price index increased by 2.9 percent in December from a year earlier, the Labor Department reported Wednesday, in line with economists’ expectations and hotter than a 2.7 percent rise in November. It was also above a 2.6 percent annual increase in October.

US inflation continued to heat up at the end of 2024. The consumer price index rose by 2.9% year over year in December, above November's 2.7% rate.

U.S. stocks surged on Wednesday, with all three major indexes registering their biggest daily percentage gains in more than two months, as lower-than-expected December core inflation data and solid earnings from major U.

U.S. stocks ripped higher Wednesday following a shot of adrenaline from an encouraging update on U.S. inflation. Strong profit reports from Wells Fargo and other big U.S. banks also helped launch indexes to their best day in two months.

US stocks surged higher Wednesday after an encouraging inflation report and blockbuster profits for some of America’s biggest banks.