In February 2026, the U.S. annual inflation rate remained at 2.4%, unchanged from January, in line with expectations, and staying at the lowest level since May 2025. Energy prices increased by 0.5%, and food prices rose by 3.1%. On a monthly basis, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 0.3%, slightly higher than January's 0.2%, in line with expectations. Housing prices rose by 0.2%, contributing the most to inflation. Meanwhile, the core inflation rate, which excludes food and energy prices, remained at 2.5%, unchanged from January, close to the lowest level since 2021. On a monthly basis, core CPI increased by 0.2%, lower than last month's 0.3%.