By Howard Schneider WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Rising prices across an array of goods from coffee to audio equipment to home furnishings pulled inflation higher in June in what economists see as evidence of the Trump administration's increasing import taxes passing through to consumers.

The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data came in hotter than expected, with inflation rising 2.6% in June, higher than the 2.4% seen in May but lower than the 2.7% economists expected. Investors weigh whether President Trump's tariff policy is fueling inflation in the US economy and what it means for the Federal Reserve.

The inflation gauge the Federal Reserve relies on most to decide whether to raise or lower U.S. interest rates is likely to cement a decision by the central bank to stand pat at its next meeting at the end of July.