US inflation stays high as petrol prices ease to four-month low

US consumer prices rose 0.4 percent in October, exceeding forecasts, despite petrol prices falling to a four-month low amid easing US-Iran tensions. Inflation remains elevated, continuing a trend since July. The Labor Department reported higher-than-expected CPI growth, surpassing predictions of 0.2 to 0.3 percent. Shelter and food costs also increased. Average petrol fell below $4 per gallon, but remains significantly above year-ago levels. Cost-of-living was a top voter concern in November 3 midterm elections, where Republicans lost control of Congress. President Trump's approval rating hit 32 percent, near his record low, with officials acknowledging the Iran war's role in electoral losses.