Germany’s annual inflation rate eased to 1.9% in February 2026 from 2.1% in January, coming in slightly below market expectations of 2.0%, according to preliminary estimates. The harmonized index of consumer prices, closely monitored by the ECB, also edged down to 2.0% from 2.1%, leaving both measures broadly aligned with the central bank’s 2% target. Goods inflation slowed to 0.8% from 1.0%, as energy prices declined at a faster pace (-1.9% vs. -1.7%) and food inflation cooled markedly to 1.1% from 2.1%. Services inflation held steady at 3.2%, while core inflation, which excludes food and energy, remained unchanged at 2.5%.
