# US CPI Release Dates 2026: Inflation Calendar for Forex Traders

> US CPI release dates 2026: inflation data drops mid-month at 8:30 AM ET. See the schedule, next release, and how CPI moves forex.

**URL:** https://forexcalendar.app/us-cpi-release-dates-2026-inflation-calendar/

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# US CPI Release Dates 2026: Inflation Calendar for Forex Traders

**Quick answer:** US Consumer Price Index (CPI) data is released **mid-month (usually the second week) at 8:30 AM Eastern Time**. The next release is **Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 8:30 AM ET** (covering May inflation).

CPI is the headline inflation gauge. After interest-rate decisions, it's arguably the most important driver of the US dollar — because inflation determines what the Fed does next.

## The 2026 CPI Schedule Pattern

Unlike NFP's "first Friday" rule, CPI doesn't fall on a fixed weekday. The BLS schedules it in the **second week of each month**, reflecting the *previous* month's prices, at **8:30 AM ET**.

| Data month | Typical release window | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | Wed, Jun 10, 2026 | 8:30 AM |
| Jun 2026 | Mid-July | 8:30 AM |
| Jul 2026 | Mid-August | 8:30 AM |
| Aug 2026 | Mid-September | 8:30 AM |

Because the exact day varies month to month, confirm each release rather than guessing. The Forex Calendar app shows the confirmed BLS date with a live countdown.

## Headline vs Core CPI

- **Headline CPI** includes everything, including food and energy.
- **Core CPI** strips out volatile food and energy — the Fed watches this more closely.

A hot **core** number often moves the market more than a hot headline, because it signals persistent, "sticky" inflation.

## How CPI Moves the Dollar

- **CPI hotter than forecast** → markets expect the Fed to stay restrictive (or hike) → **USD strengthens**, gold often falls.
- **CPI cooler than forecast** → markets expect cuts → **USD weakens**, gold often rises.

As always, it's the **surprise vs forecast** that drives the move, not the absolute number.

## Trading CPI Day

CPI prints at 8:30 AM ET — the same time as many other US releases. The reaction is fast and large; USD pairs, gold (XAU/USD), and indices can move sharply within minutes. Treat it like NFP: size down, set your levels in advance, and know the exact release minute.


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## Get Real-Time Alerts with the Forex Calendar App

Dates and times shift with holidays and revisions — the **Forex Calendar Counter & Alarm** app always shows the confirmed release with a live countdown and a push alert 1 hour before. Filter by impact, see the heatmap, and review event history.

**📱 iOS:** [Download on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/id/app/forex-calendar-alarm/id1562677865)
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