2024-03-12 13:32 Updated 2024-03-12 13:58
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Inflation in the US rose to 3.2 percent in February, according to new official statistics. It was the second month in a row with slightly higher inflation than expected.
In January, the inflation rate, the price changes on an annual basis, was 3.1 percent. Assessors had on average expected inflation to remain at the same level in February, according to Bloomberg’s compilation.
At the same time, underlying inflation, excluding energy and food, was 3.8 percent in February. It was slightly higher than expected (3.7 percent) and can be compared with 3.9 percent the previous month.
The immediate reaction on the stock markets was slightly falling prices, but the decline was quickly replaced by a rise again.
Also in January, the inflation figures were somewhat disappointing.
Tuesday’s figure was the last before the US central bank, the Fed, sets interest rates next week.