U.S. inflation is sending a MIXED signal ahead of the Fed’s next decision. Annual core inflation cooled to 2.4%, but monthly price increases accelerated: headline inflation rose 0.4%, up from 0.1%, while core climbed 0.3%, up from 0.2%. Gasoline jumped 3.9%, but pressure also spread to shelter, airfares and vehicles. With oil near $100 and diesel at a record $6 a gallon, September could bring another squeeze on household budgets, strengthening the case for a rate hike next week, per Axios. Wall Street is now betting on a 90% chance of a RATE HIKE at Wednesday's Fed policy meeting.(Coin Bureau)