February CPI nudges 0.3% higher as inflation steadies, energy in focus

February CPI rose 0.3% (0.2% core) to 2.4% year over year, with shelter up 0.2% and rent barely higher at 0.1%; food climbed 0.4% (egg prices down 3.8%), energy rose 0.6%. The print was in line with forecasts, keeping inflation above the Fed’s 2% target but not worsening. The Fed is expected to hold rates at the March meeting, though oil-price pressures from the Iran conflict could lift energy costs later; markets see a first rate cut around September with roughly a 43% chance of a second move by year-end.