U.S. consumer prices rebounded moderately in April as declining food costs partially offset rising rents, leading to the smallest annual increase in four years, but the inflation outlook remains unclear against the backdrop of tariffs.

Inflation slowed to the lowest point in four years last month, but progress in reining it in will likely end there as higher tariffs start to push up the cost of consumer goods. The consumer price index climbed 2.

The improvement in inflation comes as President Donald Trump secures a couple of important trade deals. Consumer prices rose less than expected in April, with the pace of annual inflation falling to its lowest level since early 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Tuesday.

Inflation rose less than expected in April, as prices rose 2.3% over the year, down from 2.4% in March. Prices for gas and groceries fell, but housing and eating at restaurants got more expensive. Inflation was slightly milder than forecasters had expected, before consumers faced the full brunt of President Donald Trump's import taxes.

Core inflation remained more or less unchanged last month, a setback for anyone hoping the Federal Reserve will move quickly to lower interest rates. Cuts are even less likely in the near term because the latest trade negotiations with China should reduce the threat of a U.

Inflation retreated again in April on the back of lower prices for consumer staples like groceries and gasoline, and other items such as used cars and clothing. The consumer price index, a key inflation gauge, rose 2.3% in April from 12 months earlier, down from 2.4% in March, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Tuesday.

The crypto market stood at $3.4 trillion as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in April stood at 2.3% over the last 12 months, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on May 13. The Federal Reserve has set an inflation target of 2%. As per Kraken's price feed, Bitcoin was trading at $103,587 at press time.

Shelter costs, the consumer price index’s measure of how much people pay for housing, were up again last month. The sector, a persistently inflationary category, is proving a headache for economists and Fed officials looking to rein in price growth.