Social Security 2025 COLA Estimate Jumps to 2.4%

February Inflation Highlights

As reported by the BLS, the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers — a measure of inflation that is broader than the CPI-W — increased 0.4% in February on a seasonally adjusted basis, after rising 0.3% in January. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 3.2% before seasonal adjustment.

The index for shelter rose in February, as did the index for gasoline. Combined, these two indexes contributed over 60% of the monthly increase in the index for all items. The energy index rose 2.3% over the month, as all of its component indexes increased.

The food index was unchanged in February, as was the food at home index. The food away from home index rose 0.1% over the month. The index for all items less food and energy rose 0.4% in February, as it did in January.

Indexes which increased in February include shelter, airline fares, motor vehicle insurance, apparel and recreation. The index for personal care and the index for household furnishings and operations were among those that decreased over the month.

Credit: David Palmer/ALM