The United Kingdom’s core Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded a notable turnaround in February 2026, rising 0.6% month-over-month after a sharp decline in the previous month. The latest data, updated on 25 March 2026, show a clear reversal from January 2026, when core CPI had fallen by 0.6% compared to December.
On a month-over-month basis, the February reading marks a significant shift in price dynamics. While January’s negative print highlighted weakening underlying inflationary pressures, February’s positive move suggests a renewed firming in core prices. The comparison framework indicates that “actual” reflects the change in February relative to January, whereas the “previous” figure captures January’s move relative to December.
This rebound in core CPI will likely draw attention from market participants monitoring the UK’s inflation trend and its implications for monetary policy, as the data point to a reacceleration in underlying inflation after a brief setback at the start of the year.
