US inflation cools more than expected, kindling hopes of Fed rate cut

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Agence France-PresseFebruary 13, 2026 at 05:57 PM

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US consumer inflation cooled more than expected in January, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rising 2.4% year-on-year, according to the Department of Labour. This figure, the lowest since May 2025, was attributed in part to dipping energy prices. The report has fueled hopes that the Federal Reserve might cut interest rates later in the year, although analysts caution that sustained improvement is needed. While the White House celebrated the report as evidence of success in combating inflation, concerns about affordability persist due to rising prices in areas like food. Although tariffs haven't caused a broad inflation surge, businesses have reported higher costs.

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Chicago 30% Kush Desai 40% Department of Labour 50% White House 60% Joe Biden 60% Federal Reserve 70% Donald Trump ×380% United States 90%

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us inflation 100% interest rates 80% federal reserve 70% consumer price index 70% tariffs 60% economic policy 50% energy prices 50% price increases 40%

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South China Morning Post

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