09.04.202612:30:00UTC+00US Core PCE Holds at 2.8% in February, Underscoring Sticky Inflation Trend

The U.S. Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index, the Federal Reserve’s preferred gauge of inflation, increased 2.8% year-over-year in February 2026, unchanged from January’s 2.8% reading. The latest data, updated on 9 April 2026, indicate that price pressures remain steady rather than easing further toward the Fed’s 2% target.

On a comparison basis, the “actual” February figure reflects the change in prices versus February a year earlier, while the “previous” figure captures January’s change relative to January a year earlier. The back-to-back 2.8% readings suggest that, at least for now, disinflation has paused, potentially complicating expectations for the timing and pace of any future interest-rate adjustments. Investors and policymakers will be watching upcoming releases closely for signs of whether inflation will resume its downward trend or prove more persistent than hoped.