New data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics out Wednesday showed that a key inflation metric eased for the first time since July. On a "core" basis, which strips out the more volatile costs of food and gas,

Excluding the volatile food and energy categories, so-called core inflation declined to 3.2%, after remaining stuck at 3.3% for three months in a row.

US consumer inflation rose for a third straight month in December as energy prices jumped but a widely watched measure eased slightly, raising hopes that underlying inflation may be moderating.