The annual inflation rate in the US held steady at 2.4% in February 2026, unchanged from January, in line with expectations and remaining at its lowest level since May 2025. Energy prices rebounded (0.5% vs -0.1%), led by a smaller decline in gasoline (-5.6% vs -7.5%) and a rise in fuel oil (6.2% vs -4.2%) and natural gas (10.9% vs 9.8%). On the other hand, prices for used cars and trucks declined more (-3.2% vs -2%) while inflation steadied for food (3.1% vs 3.1%) and shelter (3% vs 3%). On a monthly basis, the CPI rose by 0.3%, slightly accelerating from 0.2% in January and in line with forecasts. Shelter prices were up 0.2% and made the largest contribution. Gasoline went up 0.8% and food rose 0.4%. Meanwhile, annual core inflation, which excludes food and energy, remained unchanged at 2.5%, the same as in January and near its lowest level since 2021. On a monthly basis, core CPI increased by 0.2%, less than 0.3% in the previous month. Core figures also matched expectations.
