The annual core consumer price inflation rate in the United States, which excludes food and energy, stood at 2.5% in February 2026, the lowest since March 2021, unchanged from January and matching forecasts. The heavyweight shelter index increased 3% over the last year, the same pace as in January. Other indexes with notable increases over the last year include medical care (+3.4%), household furnishings and operations (+3.9%), recreation (+2.3%), and personal care (+4.5%). On a monthly basis, core consumer prices rose by 0.2%, following a 0.3% increase in the prior month, also in line with the market consensus.