Has U.S. inflation peaked? Some economists think so — here's why.

Inflation is top of mind in most American households, with more than 9 in 10 families telling CBS News that rising prices have posed a financial hardship or inconvenience. Yet consumers could soon get some relief, with economists predicting that inflation may have already peaked and could soon ease. 

The April inflation numbers, which are set to be released on Wednesday morning by the U.S. Department of Labor, are expected to show that prices rose 8.1% last month, which would be down from a 40-year high of 8.5% in March, according to data provider FactSet. Although inflation remains at levels not seen since the 1980s, some economists say such a dip could signal a broader decline in the months ahead.