Headline inflation in Canada dipped slightly in September, but was still red hot at 6.9% compared to 7.0% in August. The rate peaked at 8.1% in June.

Core inflation (excluding food and energy) rose slightly, going from 5.3% in August to 5.4% in September.

In Alberta, consumer price growth increased from 6.0% in August to 6.2% in September. Core inflation in the province went from 4.9% to 5.3%.

Food prices in Alberta were up by 9.7% and shelter costs were up by 6.2%.

Although gasoline prices fell in September, they were still 6.7% higher than 12 months earlier.

Despite headline inflation at the national level slowing for the third month in a row, it remains well above the 2% target.

As a result, today’s numbers are unlikely to change the Bank of Canada’s mind regarding the need for additional interest rate hikes aimed at reducing inflation.

Answer to the previous trivia question: Measured by annual revenue, Volkswagen is the largest company in Germany.

Today’s trivia question: When did physical euro coins and banknotes enter into circulation?