Inflation in the U.S. in annualized terms rose stronger than expected, showed statistical data published yesterday - in February it amounted to 3.2% against the forecasted 3.1%. On a monthly basis, it matched the forecast estimate, reaching 0.4%. However, the core consumer price index, which rose by 0.4%, was also higher than the estimated 0.3%.

The rise in inflation was spurred by rising housing and gas prices, Yahoo Finance wrote. It showed an acceleration compared to January and was the most intense in the last 6 months. One of the main factors driving up consumer prices is rising energy costs.

This inflation statistic is the last before the next Fed meeting scheduled for March 20. According to CME Group, market participants are confident that the key rate will be left unchanged - the probability of this is estimated at almost 100%. However, they retain hopes for its reduction in June - the chances of such a scenario are 60%, the survey showed.