The annual core consumer price inflation rate in the United States, which excludes volatile items like food and energy, stood at 2.6% in December 2025, the lowest since March 2021, matching November's reading. Figures came slightly below market expectations of 2.7%. Prices slowed mostly for used cars and trucks (1.6% vs 3.6% in November) and household furnishings and operations (4% vs 4.6%). Meanwhile, the heavyweight shelter index increased 3.2%, after a 3% rise in the prior month. Other indexes with notable increases over the last year include medical care (3.2% vs 2.9%), recreation (3% vs 1.8%), and personal care (3.7% vs 3.3%).