Inflation Pressure Index — August 2026: 35.1

The Inflation Pressure Index averaged 35.1 in August 2026, touching a high of 39 on August 19 and a low of 29 on August 22. Pressure was pushed up earlier in the month by a report showing China's July factory-gate inflation eased to a three-month low, alongside ongoing effects from the Iran war, tariffs, and AI spending that kept key inflation gauges elevated. Meanwhile, tension was calmed by reports that Russia will sacrifice its civilian economy for its war effort, as well as an analysis of Warsh's old forecasts and expectations of tamer inflation from prediction markets. By the end of the month, inflation had fallen or slowed in July even as prices remained stuck at 3.7%.

Peak 39 on 2026-08-19 · low 29 on 2026-08-22 · locked record · ← July · Inflation Pressure Index timeline · September → · World Tension, same month

• Key inflation gauge remains elevated during Iran conflict and ongoing US trade fights AP News · 2026-08-26
• Inflation slows but prices remain elevated as Iran war and spending on AI push up prices AP News · 2026-08-12
• Inflation fell in July as Iran war marches on The Hill · 2026-08-12
• Inflation Surges as Effects of the Iran War Show in Prices The New York Times · 2026-08-24
• War, tariffs and AI are keeping pressure on prices as inflation remains stuck at 3.7% KCRA · 2026-08-26
• Fed Chair Warsh not ruling out interest rate hike amid inflation concerns PBS · 2026-08-28
• Russia will sacrifice its civilian economy on the altar of the war effort Atlantic Council · 2026-08-05
• 'We Know Inflation Is Being Underreported,' Millennial Couple Says. They're Both College Educated and Living on Beans and Rice Yahoo Finance · 2026-08-31

• An inflation report Wednesday should be a big deal for the Fed. Here's what to expect
• Wednesday’s crucial CPI report will show tamer inflation, according to prediction markets