The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed that inflation rose 0.4% from January to February, coming in right around forecasts. CPI also rose from 3.1% to 3.2% year over year, which was above the expected unchanged reading. Core CPI, which strips out volatile food and energy prices, increased 0.4% while the annual reading fell from 3.9% to 3.8%. Both figures were slightly higher than estimates.
Rising shelter and energy costs were two key factors that helped push inflation higher last month.
What’s the bottom line? Inflation has fallen considerably after peaking in 2022, with the headline reading now at 3.2% (down from 9.1%) and the core reading at 3.8% (down from 6.6%). However, CPI was hotter than expected for both January and February, meaning inflationary pressures have been more persistent than the Fed would like.