The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report for April revealed an annual inflation rate of 2.3%, falling short of expectations and marking the lowest level in four years. Although consumer prices rose modestly, the pace was slower than anticipated despite ongoing tariff-related pressures. The report indicates that while inflation seems to have eased, the looming effects of tariffs could alter this positive trend in the coming months. Economists suggest that the limited impact of newly implemented tariffs, combined with a decrease in grocery and gas prices, contributed to this unexpected cooling in inflation. However, warnings persist about potential future price increases as trade tensions evolve.