US inflation held steady at 2.4 per cent in February, matching economists’ expectations, although the data was set to be overshadowed by the energy shock unleashed by the war in the Middle East. Photograph: Spencer Platt/Getty ImagesUS inflation held steady at 2.4 per cent in February, matching economists’ expectations, although the data was set to be overshadowed by the energy shock unleashed by the war in the Middle East. Core inflation, stripping out volatile food and energy prices, was also flat at 2.5 per cent, in line with Wall Street forecasts. Energy inflation was just 0.5 per cent in the 12 months to February, with petrol prices falling 5.6 per cent over the period. Housing-related inflation, which held steady at 3 per cent, was the most significant contributor to the February inflation figure.

Source: The Irish Times March 11, 2026 20:20 UTC