The inflation slowdown reflected a decline in energy costs, used vehicles, hotel stays and airfares. The cost of motor vehicle insurance — a main source of inflation in recent years — also retreated.
US inflation cooled broadly in March, indicating some relief for consumers prior to widespread tariffs that risk contributing to price pressures.
The consumer price index, excluding often volatile food and energy costs, increased 0.1% from February, the least in nine months, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data out Thursday. The overall CPI declined 0.1% from a month earlier, the first decrease in nearly five years.
