Inflation in the USA amounted to 3.0 percent in January. This can be compared to 2.9 percent the previous month. It was higher than market expectations, which were at an unchanged inflation rate of 2.9 percent also in January.
The so-called core inflation, i.e. excluding food and energy, was higher than expected, amounting to 3.3 percent compared to expected 3.1 percent.
This measure is traditionally seen as a better value indicator as it disregards volatile prices.
The inflation figures have a clear effect on the New York stock exchange, where the S&P500 index falls by around 1 percent in early trading. The Nasdaq composite index also falls by approximately the same amount.
President Donald Trump was quick to blame his predecessor Joe Biden for the increase shortly after the announcement. Addressing inflation was highlighted as an important issue during Trump's election campaign last year.
