ECONOMY

U.S. Inflation Slows as Core Pressures Still Persist

PUBLISHED Feb 13, 2026, 8:12 AM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 6

Left 17%

Center 83%

Sources: 6

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Labor Department reported Friday that consumer prices rose 2.4% in January from a year earlier, down from 2.7% in December, while core CPI excluding food and energy rose 2.5%. Monthly inflation showed modest gains, with headline up 0.2% and core up 0.3%, driven by lower gasoline and used-car costs and slower rental growth, while shelter and some service categories remained elevated this week nationwide. Analysts and TD Securities warned persistent service-sector inflation could influence Treasury yields and Federal Reserve decisions on future rate changes. President Trump welcomed the reading. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Moonie | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

March 2025: TD Securities flags persistent core inflation and service-sector strength.
January 2026: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics collects CPI data for the month.
Early February 2026: Media outlets report January CPI at 2.4% year-on-year, core at 2.5%.
Analysts interpret the results as cooling headline inflation but continuing service and shelter pressures.
Markets and policymakers assess implications for Treasury yields and potential future Fed rate moves.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 6
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 5

Who Benefited

Bond holders and short-term fixed-income investors benefited as softer headline inflation reduced near-term expectations for rate increases and opened prospects for policy easing that could push yields lower.

Who Impacted

Lower-income households, renters and consumers on fixed incomes suffered as shelter, food and many service-sector prices remained elevated despite the slower headline inflation reading.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 6
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 5
Distribution:: Left 17%, Center 83%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Who Impacted

Lower-income households, renters and consumers on fixed incomes suffered as shelter, food and many service-sector prices remained elevated despite the slower headline inflation reading.