Rising consumer prices in the U.S. moderated again last month, bolstering hopes that inflation’s grip on the economy will continue to ease this year and possibly require less drastic action by the Federal Reserve to control it.Â
The number of Americans applying for jobless benefits fell to the lowest level in more than three months last week, reflecting a still-robust job market.Â
U.S. job openings slipped in November but remained high suggesting businesses remain determined to add workers, a blow to the Federal Reserve's efforts to cool hiring and wage gains.