US inflation data for February 2026 came in where markets expected. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that headline CPI rose 2.4% year over year, while core CPI increased 2.5%. After the release, crypto prices turned volatile. Bitcoin climbed to $69,750 before giving back part of the move and trading near $69,300 at the time of writing.
Shelter, energy and food drove the monthly increase
On a monthly basis, headline CPI rose 0.3% on a seasonally adjusted basis, up from 0.2% in January. On an unadjusted basis, the annual CPI reading held at 2.4%, unchanged from the previous month. Core CPI, which excludes food and energy, rose 0.2% month over month and stayed at 2.5% year over year.
Within the report, shelter increased 0.2% for the month and was the main contributor to the overall rise. The energy index rose 0.6%, and the food index gained 0.4%. Taken on its own, the February report pointed to inflation that remained relatively contained during the period measured.
Recent Middle East oil shock was not captured in the report
The February figures did not include the latest geopolitical pressure on oil markets. Because the data collection ended in late February, the price swings linked to rising tensions involving the US, Israel and Iran were outside the scope of this report.
According to the source material, crude oil briefly surged to $119 per barrel during the conflict period before falling back toward $89. If that jump feeds through into the cost of goods and services, the March inflation reading could look very different from February when it is released in April.
Bitcoin gives back gains while Ether holds above $2,000
Crypto markets reacted quickly to the macro release. Bitcoin rallied first and then pulled back, with its 24-hour loss at 2.75%. Ether followed a similar pattern, though it remained above the $2,000 level and was quoted at $2,023 at the time of writing.
The report offered a temporary easing in inflation concerns, but it did not settle the bigger question around energy prices and rate expectations. For crypto traders, those variables remain in focus.