USA: Core Inflation Rises Less than Expected.

The annual core inflation rate in the United States, which excludes food and energy, rose to 2.6% in March of 2026 from 2.5% in the previous two months, slightly below market expectations that it would have risen to 2.7%. Inflation was high for services that exclude energy services (3%), including shelter (3%), transportation services (4.1%), and medical care services (3.7%). Meanwhile, commodities less food and energy inflation was at 2.6%, as higher rates for apparel (3.4%) offset the decline in price of used cars and trucks (-3.2%).