US wholesale inflation hits four-year high in September, stoking economic worries before midterms

US wholesale inflation surged in September to its highest level in more than four years, marking the second hotter-than-expected inflation reading this week and raising economic concerns weeks before the midterm elections. The Producer Price Index rose 1.3% monthly and 6.3% annually, up sharply from August's 0.5% monthly and 5.6% annual gains, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Energy prices, driven by geopolitical conflicts, accounted for 80% of the goods price increase, while core PPI rose 0.7% monthly. The report follows a September Consumer Price Index showing broadening inflationary pressures, and a Commerce Department report showing retail sales slowed to 0.8% in September. Stock futures were mixed, with Dow futures up 0.3% while S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures fell.