An unusually busy week of economic data in the US sent conflicting signals for the Federal Reserve.

Inflation in the United States eased at the start of 2026, providing a reprieve to the Federal Reserve as it contends with yet another year of consumer prices rising faster than the central bank’s target. Here is what the latest Consumer Price Index showed on Friday.

WASHINGTON, Feb 13 (Reuters) - U.S. consumer prices likely maintained a steady pace of increase in January as businesses raised prices at the start of the year, which together with a stabilizing labor market could allow the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates unchanged for a while.

Cooling US inflation and steady job growth in January strengthen hopes the economy can avoid recession in 2026.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A key measure of inflation fell to nearly a five-year low last month as apartment rental price growth slowed and gas prices fell, offering some relief to Americans grappling with the sharp cost increases of the past five years.

US inflation may hit a five-year low in January as rental costs cool, with core prices easing. Find out how this impacts affordability and Fed rate cuts.