11.03.202612:30:00UTC+00U.S. CPI Edges Higher in February, Signalling Persistent Price Pressures

The U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI), not seasonally adjusted, inched up in February 2026, underscoring continued, if moderate, inflationary pressure in the world’s largest economy. The index rose to 326.79 in February from 325.25 in January 2026.

The latest reading, updated on 11 March 2026, reflects an ongoing upward trend in consumer prices after the January level had held at 325.25. While the data do not include a percentage change calculation or detailed category breakdowns, the move higher in the headline CPI index suggests that overall price levels for a broad basket of goods and services continued to climb as the year progressed into late winter.

Market participants and policymakers will be closely watching subsequent releases to determine whether this gradual increase in CPI points to more entrenched inflation or remains consistent with a controlled price environment. The February data provide another reference point for assessing the trajectory of U.S. consumer prices as 2026 unfolds.