Consumer prices in February saw another uptick, primarily fueled by the increases in shelter and gasoline prices, which contributed to over 60% of the total increase. Despite a slowdown in the year-over-year increase, shelter costs continue to put upward pressure on inflation, accounting for roughly two-thirds of the total increase in all items excluding food and energy. Given the ongoing elevated inflation, the Federal Reserve is expected to delay rate cuts until the second half of the year.

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