Inflation held steady last month
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VIEW India's Feb. retail inflation quickens to 3.21% y/y
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Follow along with Investopedia's live coverage of Friday's inflation report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
February's inflation levels proved relatively stable, but that likely won’t be of much help to Federal Reserve officials as the war in Iran threatens to drive energy and other prices even higher. The consumer price index rose 2.
The consumer price index was rose 2.4% in February 2026, above policymakers' target, economists said. War in Iran complicates the picture.
The January CPI report showed cooling inflation, a key factor in whether the Federal Reserve resumes interest rate cuts. Follow along with our live coverage here.
The latest PPI data could give the Fed “another reason to be more patient with rate cuts,” said Chris Zaccarelli of Northlight Asset Management.
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Inflation data sends markets reeling
Bitcoin previously hit a record high above $126,000 in October 2025.
Traders see the February consumer inflation report as a major inflection point for their Federal Reserve outlooks.
Gold is gaining safe-haven demand amid weak U.S. jobs data, rising oil prices, and geopolitical tensions, which are increasing market uncertainty and keeping prices supported above the key $5,000 level.
Wall Street continues to be buffeted by the winds of war, as the effects of the Iran war are being seen through widespread volatility.