U.S. consumer prices recorded their biggest drop in eight months in September as the cost of gasoline fell, but a steady pick-up in the prices of other goods and services suggested inflation was poised to rise. The very low level of layoffs and gradually firming underlying inflation could keep the door open to an interest rate increase from the Federal Reserve this year. “Today’s reports strengthen our view that the U.S. economy remains on the right track and should help to bolster the Fed’s confidence that it is getting ever closer to meeting both of its mandates.