The much-awaited January 2026 Consumer Price Index data has just been released, showing that the inflation rate has decreased year-on-year to 2.4%, slightly below the predicted 2.5%. Meanwhile, the Core CPI, which excludes volatile categories such as food and energy, met expectations at 2.5%. Analysts highlighted that the monthly increase in the overall CPI of 0.2% is the lowest since last May.

Heather Long, the chief economist at Navy Federal Credit Union, remarked that the reduction in prices for gas, used cars, and medical care in January contributed to the overall easing of inflation, despite increases in utilities and transportation costs.

“Just In: US inflation cooled to 2.4% (y/y) in January —> The lowest inflation rate since May. The monthly increase was just 0.2%.”

Gas prices, used cars, and medical care all declined in January, helping to bring down inflation even as utilities and transportation rose.

Core CPI… Link
— Heather Long (@byHeatherLong) 2:30 PM - Feb 13, 2026

Bitcoin’s price has been notoriously volatile during the release of US CPI data. Initial reactions were optimistic, with the asset climbing to $67,600 before retreating to $67,200 at the time of the report. A more significant market response is expected once the US Federal Reserve analyzes this data for potential adjustments to interest rates.