CPI inflation report February 2026:

Prices consumers pay for a wide range of goods and services rose in line with expectations for February, offering a final look at inflation pressures before an oil shock linked to the Iran war shakes the outlook.

consumer price index It rose a seasonally adjusted 0.3% for the month, pushing the 12-month inflation rate to 2.4%, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data released Wednesday. Both figures matched Dow Jones consensus estimates.

Excluding volatile food and energy prices, core CPI increased by 0.2% monthly and 2.5% annually, compared to the forecasts of 0.2% and 2.5%, again in line with forecasts.

Annual rates were unchanged from January; This shows that inflation remains above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target but is not worsening.

While the report showed inflation was generally stable, prices for housing and services rose modestly, while several categories of goods, including used vehicles and auto insurance, saw declines.

The housing sector, the largest component of the CPI, recorded an increase of 0.2 percent, bringing the annual rate to 3 percent. Rents in this category increased by just 0.1%, marking the lowest monthly increase since January 2021.

Clothing prices, which are sensitive to tariff pressures, increased by 1.3% monthly. New vehicle prices held steady and rose just 0.5% from a year ago, while energy rose 0.6% and also saw a 0.5% increase year-on-year.

Food prices accelerated 0.4% for the month and rose 3.1% from a year ago.

However, the data predates the recent rise in oil prices due to rising tensions with Iran; This means the impact of higher energy costs will likely emerge in the coming months.

Markets had little reaction to the report as stock futures were mixed and Treasury yields rose.

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