US CPI unexpectedly rises 3.2% annually in February

The U.S. consumer price index rose faster than expected last month, up 3.1% from a year earlier and up 3.2% from 3.1% in January, the government reported Tuesday morning. Core interest rates, excluding food and energy costs, fell slightly but disappointed with the rise to 3.8% compared to expectations of 3.7% and 3.9% in January.