Inflation held at 2.4% in February as affordability woes persist

March 11, 2026

TL;DR

Inflation held steady at 2.4% for the year ending in February.
Core inflation was also unchanged at 2.5% for the year ending in February.
Prices rose 0.3% in February alone.
Higher prices for food and energy, and tariff pass-throughs contributed to the headline figure.
Softer vehicle prices and cooling shelter inflation offset some impacts.
Gasoline prices have increased nearly 22% in the past month due to the war with Iran.
Prices for butter, eggs, cheese, and some fruits and vegetables have fallen.
Prices for ground beef, beef roasts, steaks, coffee, and electricity have increased.
The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady in January and remains attentive to inflation above its 2% target.
The economy shed 92,000 jobs in February, and the unemployment rate rose to 4.4%.
Voter dissatisfaction with prices and affordability is high.
Democrats are looking to leverage economic discontent in the upcoming midterm elections.

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