US Inflation Aligns with Forecasts in February

US consumer inflation met market expectations in February 2026, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rising 0.3% month-over-month and 2.4% year-over-year. This annual rate marks the lowest since May 2025.

Data released by the US Department of Labor on March 11, 2026, revealed that the cost of living for American consumers increased by 0.3% from January to February. This follows a 0.2% monthly rise in January. The annual CPI also saw a 2.4% increase in January.

Housing costs were a primary driver of the monthly inflation in February, climbing 0.2% from the previous month and 3% year-over-year. The food index rose 0.4% monthly and 3.1% annually, while the energy index increased by 0.6% month-over-month and 0.5% year-over-year.

Excluding volatile food and energy prices, the core CPI advanced 0.2% monthly and 2.5% annually in February. This core inflation figure continues to hover at its lowest annual level since March 2021.