PPI shows wholesale prices rose more than expected as inflation runs hot

Producer prices rose 0.7% in February on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics — more than double the 0.3% increase economists had forecast and the fastest monthly gain since August 2023. On a 12-month basis, the producer price index rose 3.4%, the largest annual advance since February 2025. Goods prices led the monthly increase, climbing 1.1%. Food prices rose 2.4%, with fresh and dry vegetables up 48.9%. Energy goods increased 2.3%. Services prices rose 0.5%, with tra ...