Hotter-than-expected inflation likely ensures the Federal Reserve keeps its options open to raise interest rates again in November or December following an expected pause this month. The so-called core consumer price index, which excludes food and energy costs, advanced 0.3% from July, the first acceleration in six months, Bureau of Labor Statistics data showed Wednesday. From a year ago, it increased 4.3%, still well above the Fed’s goal even as it was the smallest advance in nearly two years. “The core CPI is a bit disappointing,” said Kathy Bostjancic, chief economist at Nationwide Life Insurance Co. “This will ... (full story)