[U.S. PPI hits the largest increase since 2022, energy shock continues to be transmitted] October 15th, U.S. producer prices rose at the fastest rate in more than four years in September, and the impact of rising energy costs was further transmitted through the economy. The report showed that while fuel prices rose, core inflationary pressures remained firm. As the November midterm elections approach, the cost of living issue is becoming a core issue for voters. The report could also keep Fed officials on track for further interest rate hikes in the coming months, especially after another report on Wednesday showed a key consumer price measure rose more than expected in September. U.S. Treasuries maintained gains after the data, while U.S. stocks maintained losses in early trading. A key question for policymakers is whether energy shocks start to be transmitted to the prices of other goods and services. The PPI report showed that energy prices rose by 10.8% in September, transportation and warehousing prices rose by 3.4%, the largest increase since April; food prices rose by 1.2%.