The annual inflation rate remained unchanged from January, indicating that inflation stayed above the Federal Reserve's 2% target but did not worsen. Excluding volatile food and energy prices, the core Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed a monthly reading of 0.2% and an annual rate of 2.5%, compared to expectations of 0.2% and 2.5%, which also aligns with estimates. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Consumer Price Index rose 0.3% seasonally adjusted in February, keeping the annual inflation rate steady at 2.4%, in line with Dow Jones forecasts. This provides a look at inflationary pressures before the oil price shock linked to the Iranian conflict affects expectations.
