Progress on inflation should stall this year” as fiscal, immigration and trade policies shift, caution Bank of America economists.

Key Takeaways The Consumer Price Index rose 2.9% in December, accelerating from a 2.7% annual increase in November.Core inflation rose 3.2% over the year, down from 3.3% in November, providing optimism for the trajectory of the cost of living.

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

The Consumer Price Index ticked up by 0.4% in December, but a measure that excludes food and energy prices slowed for the first time in four months, the Labor Department said on Wednesday. Why it matters: Inflation resumed a cooling trend after a months-long interruption,