Inflation has risen since the summer and raised anxiety at the Federal Reserve, but a welcome slowdown in housing costs could be just what the doctor ordered.

Inflation is moving in the wrong direction. U.S. inflation picked up for a second straight month in November on a rise in food and gasoline prices, underscoring that the final stretch of the Federal Reserve's two-year battle against sharply rising prices has become more challenging.

Inflation in November rose modestly, with housing costs continuing to be a major factor in price increases. However, the Fed is expected to proceed with an interest rate cut next week.