AI BOOM FUELS SHARPEST COMPUTER PRICE INFLATION IN TWO DECADES The massive AI infrastructure buildout is coinciding with a sharp rise in consumer technology prices, adding another source of pressure to U.S. inflation. According to September CPI data: 🔸 Computers, peripherals and smart-home assistants: +9.7% YoY, the largest annual increase since at least 2006. 🔸 Software and accessories: +28.4% YoY. The figures highlight growing concerns that surging demand for AI computing power and hardware could be pushing technology costs higher. The key risk: AI investment may be creating inflationary pressures beyond energy and housing, complicating the Federal Reserve's efforts to bring inflation back to its 2% target.