US consumer prices rose slightly more than expected in September due to higher food costs, but the annual inflation increase was the smallest in over 3.5 years. The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates again next month. First-time unemployment applications surged last week, boosted by Hurricane Helene and a strike at Boeing. The consumer price index increased 0.2% in September, with food prices jumping 0.4% and gasoline prices plunging 4.1%. Rents increased 0.3% and the annual inflation rise was 2.4%. Financial markets predict a 25 basis points rate cut at the Fed's November policy meeting.