Financial writer analyzes December CPI report showing inflation above target, speculates on future trajectory and Federal Reserve policy path. Click for more.

New data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics out Wednesday showed that a key inflation metric eased for the first time since July. On a "core" basis, which strips out the more volatile costs of food and gas,

U.S. consumer prices increased slightly more than expected in November as energy costs rose, pointing to an inflation trend that lines up with the Federal Reserve's view for a slower path of rate cuts this year.