In February, inflation eased more than anticipated, offering relief to the Federal Reserve as it manages the challenges of higher prices and slower growth due to trade tensions. The Consumer Price Index increased by 2.8 percent year-over-year, following a 0.2 percent rise on a monthly basis. This marked a slowdown from January’s significant 0.5 percent increase and fell below economists’ projections. The core inflation measure, which excludes volatile food and fuel prices, also declined slightly. It rose 0.2 percent from the previous month and 3.1 percent year-over-year, both figures lower than January’s. The Bureau of Labor Statistics data highlighted the uneven progress of the Fed towards its 2 percent inflation target. While prices for essentials like eggs and groceries are rising sharply, costs in other categories, such as gasoline, have fallen. A 4 percent drop in airfares significantly contributed to the better-than-expected results. Egg prices surged another 10.4 percent in February due to an ongoing avian influenza outbreak, increasing nearly 60 percent since last year. Overall food prices rose 0.2 percent, or 2.8 percent year-over-year. Used car costs increased 0.9 percent in February, though new vehicle prices slightly declined. Car insurance, a major factor in January’s unexpected rise, increased again but at a slower pace of 0.3 percent, rising just over 11 percent over the past year. — news from The New York Times