February Inflation: A Temporary Relief or the Start of a Lasting Trend?

‘The February Consumer Price Index was better than expected, but how long will this last?’ Bankrate’s chief financial analyst asked.

An "only one dozen per customer" sign for eggs at Trader Joe’s hangs by the cartons in Merrick, N.Y., on Feb. 16, 2025. Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

Inflation receded in February for the first time since September 2024, driven by easing price pressures for gasoline and shelter.

The U.S. annual inflation rate slowed to 2.8 percent last month. Core inflation, which strips the volatile food and energy components, declined to 3.1 percent, the lowest rate since April 2021.