“Core” C.P.I., which more closely reflects underlying inflation by removing volatile food and energy prices, also showed little improvement. It rose 0.4 percent from December or 3.3 percent on a year-over-year basis, both higher than economists expected. The monthly increase in core prices was the highest since April 2023.

CPI data will make the Federal Reserve more cautious about inflation risks, with more Fed watchers saying the central bank wouldn’t cut rates at all this year. U.S. headline CPI inflation rose 0.5% in January,

Consumer prices rose 3%, extending a recent pattern of increases at the start of the year that likely derails the prospect for Fed rate cuts so long as the economy remains solid.