Half of Republicans believe the US economy has got worse as inflation climbs to 3.7 per cent before the midterms

Wholesale prices in September recorded their sharpest monthly rise in over four years, a day after consumer inflation climbed from 3.4 to 3.7 per cent. The figures arrive with early voting already under way. Republican strategist Doug Heye said the president had 'proactively' made existing problems worse. The Iran war is adding further upward pressure on costs.

Six in 10 respondents in an AP-NORC poll said the economy has worsened since President Donald Trump returned.

Nearly 51 per cent say they are casting midterm ballots to 'oppose' Trump.

Polls can reportedly miss by 3.7 points, described as a 'big siren warning sign' for Democrats.