Inflation eased further in August, reaching a new 3-year low despite persistent elevated housing costs. This inflation report is seen as the final key piece of data before the Fed’s meeting next week. The headline reading provides another dovish signal for future monetary policy, after recent signs of weakness in job reports. Although shelter costs have been trending downward since peaking in early 2023, they continue to exert significant upward pressure on inflation, contributing over 70% of the total 12-month increase in core inflation. As consistent disinflation and a cooling labor market bring the economy into better balance, the Fed is likely to further solidify behind the case for rate cuts, which could help ease some pressure on the housing market.