Inflation in the United States ticked up in October, driven by costlier rents, used cars and air fares, a sign that price increases might be leveling off after having slowed in September to their lowest pace since 2021.

A rise in prices could make the Federal Reserve less likely to cut its key interest rate in the coming months. But most economists believe inflation will continue its slowdown.

Inflation in the US picked up last month, as progress toward stabilising prices appeared to stall. Consumer prices rose 2.6% over the 12 months to October, driven by higher housing and food costs, the Labor Department said. That marked a slight uptick from 2.4% the month before.

A gauge of global stocks was lower for a third straight session on Thursday, after U.S. economic data indicated the labor market remains solid while progress on tamping down inflation may be waning. The Labor Department said initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped 4,