US Inflation Eases, Offering Some Relief Ahead of Tariffs

US consumer prices rose at the slowest pace in four months in February, welcome news for American households who remain apprehensive about the potential for tariffs to drive costs higher.

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 respite, driven in part by a drop in prices for cars and gas, may be short-lived. Economists anticipate that an escalating trade war will drive up prices on a variety of goods ...