US inflation rises less than estimated in Feb

US CONSUMER PRICES rose at the slowest pace in four months in February, offering some reprieve ahead of tariffs that are expected to drive costs higher.

- AUGUSTA SARAIVA

The consumer price index increased 0.2% after a sharp 0.5% advance in January, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data out Wednesday. Excluding often volatile food and energy categories, the so-called core measure rose 0.2% as well. The BLS said nearly half of the advance in the overall measure was due to shelter, but it still decelerated from the prior month.