The Bureau of Labor Statistics released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) this week. Prices increased by .3% in February, and 2.4% annually, which matched forecasts. Core CPI (excluding food and energy) increased by .2% and 2.5% annually. The Fed is getting closer to its goal of 2% annual price increases, a level it maintained before the 2020 pandemic(1).
Looking ahead, economists expect higher oil prices to impact consumers, with the March figures likely to reflect this pressure. Some predict CPI could rise by 0.7%-0.8%(2), and expectations for a rate cut have mostly shifted from June to September (now at 63%).
A breakdown of some price changes:
Food at home – +2.4%
Food away from home – + 3.9%
Apparel – +1.3%
Rent – +2.7%
Medical – +4.1%
Airline – +7.1%
Motor Vehicle maintenance & repair – +5.6%
New Car Prices – +.5%
Used Car Prices – (-3.2%)
Despite improvements in several categories over recent months, consumers continue to feel persistent pressure. Gasoline prices, for example, have increased by an average of 57 cents, or 19%, since February 23rd (3). Though consumers are hopeful for relief in the oil industry, ongoing conflict could continue to affect prices.
Sources:
(1) Bureau of Labor Statistics
(2) Moneywatch
(3) https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/11/cpi-inflation-february-2026-breakdown.html
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