The U.S. Core Consumer Price Index (CPI), a key gauge of underlying inflation pressures, inched up in January 2026, signaling that disinflation remains gradual rather than rapid. The index rose to 332.79 in January from 331.81 in December 2025, according to data updated on 13 February 2026.
The latest increase in the Core CPI – which excludes volatile food and energy prices – highlights that underlying price growth is still present in the U.S. economy, even as markets and policymakers look for clearer evidence of cooling inflation. While the move from December to January represents a modest gain, it will remain a focal point for investors assessing the likely path of interest rates and the broader economic outlook.
With the January reading confirming another step up in the index, financial markets will be watching upcoming inflation data closely to gauge whether this pattern continues or begins to stabilize in the months ahead.
