On a monthly basis, the CPI rose 0.5%, versus economists' forecast for a 0.3% increase, according to FactSet. That's the biggest monthly jump since August 2023. It may be due to price increases set at the start of the year by many businesses, noted Bright MLS chief economist Lisa Sturtevant in an email.

Inflation rose unexpectedly in January, with the Consumer Price Index rising 3% over the last 12 months, up from 2.9% in December. Forecasters had expected inflation to slow down, but prices for food, gas, and housing pushed the inflation rate out of the 2% range for the first time since May.

This week’s forthcoming Consumer Price Index report could show easing year-on-year inflation, increasing the potential for Fed interest rate cuts in May or June 2025.