Consumers continued to contend with higher inflation in February, according to new government data. The consumer price index — an inflation measure that tracks changes in the prices of consumer goods and services over time — rose 3.2% from a year ago and 0.4% in February, according to monthly data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Inflation is down from its hottest point in 2022, but is still warm, considering the Federal Reserve’s 2% inflation target. While Americans’ optimism about the economy has improved, many still say that price increases have caused financial hardship, a recent Gallup poll round. ... (full story)