The annual inflation rate in the US held at 2.4% in February 2026, unchanged from January, in line with forecasts and remaining at its lowest level since May 2025. Energy prices rebounded (0.5% vs. -0.1%), driven by a smaller decline in gasoline (-5.6% vs. -7.5%) and increases in fuel oil (6.2% vs. -4.2%) and natural gas (10.9% vs. 9.8%).
By contrast, prices for used cars and trucks fell more sharply (-3.2% vs. -2.0%), while inflation for food (3.1% vs. 3.1%) and shelter (3.0% vs. 3.0%) was unchanged. On a monthly basis, the CPI rose 0.3%, edging up from 0.2% in January and matching expectations. Shelter costs increased 0.2% and made the largest contribution, while gasoline prices were up 0.8% and food prices advanced 0.4%.
Meanwhile, annual core inflation, which excludes food and energy, also held steady at 2.5%, the same as in January and close to its lowest level since 2021. Month over month, core CPI rose 0.2%, easing from 0.3% previously. Both the annual and monthly core readings were in line with market forecasts.
