Inflation rose at the slowest pace in years last month, indicating a potential for rate cuts before the year ends. The consumer price index increased by 3.3% compared to the previous year, marking the lowest 12-month increase since 2021. However, despite the slower rise in prices, inflation has still gone up by more than 20% since 2021. Real wages have fallen by nearly 4% over the same timeframe, highlighting that the average American is struggling to keep up with the increasing costs of goods. The accuracy of the official numbers has been questioned, with some suggesting that people's feelings about the economy may be a more reliable indicator of its state.