August consumer prices rose a seasonally adjusted 0.4% for the month, putting the annual rate at 3.4%, both in line with the Dow Jones consensus. The problem is underneath: core CPI, which strips out food and energy, gained 0.3% on the month, a tenth of a point above forecast, with the core annual rate at 2.4%. CBS reported the headline figure came in slightly above the 3.3% economists polled by FactSet had expected, with gasoline costs keeping prices elevated. It is the last major inflation reading the Fed sees before its meeting concludes Wednesday with a vote on rates.