US Core Inflation Slowed as Expected Before War With Iran (5)

Underlying US inflation slowed in February from a month earlier, offering some relief from price pressures before the war with Iran.

The consumer price index, excluding food and energy, rose 0.2% from January, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data out Wednesday. From a year ago, it was unchanged at 2.5% — the slowest pace in nearly five years.

The report showed lower prices for used cars and motor vehicle insurance helped keep inflation in check last month, despite higher costs for gasoline and groceries including fresh vegetables and coffee.

Here are the key takeaways from Bloomberg’s TOPLive ...