The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge moved even higher in December, driven largely by rising energy prices as well as food. However, a closely watched measurement of underlying inflation trends indicated some progress in the fight to rein in price hikes.

The central bank needs to see further progress on inflation or weakness in the labor market to resume interest rate cuts.

The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure accelerated slightly in December, as price growth remains stubbornly above the central bank’s 2% annual target.Fed policymakers are on hold with interest rates until the inflation picture improves.