When Is US Inflation Data Released — 2026 Schedule

Monthly Release Schedule

The release of United States inflation data is a highly anticipated event for global markets, occurring once every month. This data is primarily provided through the Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, which is published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Typically, the report is released during the second week of the month, usually around 8:30 AM Eastern Time. For the year 2026, the schedule remains consistent with this historical pattern, though specific dates can shift slightly based on holidays and weekends.

In early 2026, the data has shown a notable trend. For instance, the January 2026 CPI report was released on Friday, February 13, 2026. This specific report indicated that inflation eased to 2.4 percent on a year-over-year basis, down from previous levels. Such releases are critical because they provide the first look at price changes for the preceding month, allowing the Federal Reserve and private investors to adjust their economic outlooks accordingly.

The BLS Publication Process

The Bureau of Labor Statistics follows a rigorous process to collect and analyze price data before it is made public. Thousands of items across various categories—including food, energy, housing, and medical care—are tracked to determine the average change in prices paid by urban consumers. Once the data is compiled, it is released according to a pre-announced calendar. This transparency is designed to prevent market manipulation and ensure that all participants receive the information at the exact same time.

For those tracking the 2026 calendar, the next major milestones include the February data release scheduled for mid-March, and the March data release in mid-April. Traders often monitor these dates closely, as the 8:30 AM ET window frequently triggers significant volatility in the bond and equity markets. If the reported inflation figure is higher than analysts' forecasts, it often leads to expectations of higher interest rates, whereas a lower-than-expected figure may signal a potential rate cut.

Types of Inflation Data

Consumer Price Index (CPI)

The CPI is the most widely recognized measure of inflation. It reflects the monthly change in prices paid by U.S. consumers. Within this report, economists often look at "Headline CPI," which includes all items, and "Core CPI," which excludes the more volatile categories of food and energy. As of early 2026, Core CPI has remained a primary focus for the Federal Reserve as they navigate a complex economic landscape influenced by previous years of tariff adjustments and labor market shifts.

Producer Price Index (PPI)

While the CPI measures prices from the consumer's perspective, the Producer Price Index (PPI) measures inflation from the perspective of the domestic producers. It tracks the average change over time in the selling prices received by producers for their output. The PPI is usually released one or two days after the CPI. For example, in early 2026, the PPI for January was released on Friday, February 27, following the CPI release earlier that month. PPI is often considered a leading indicator for CPI, as rising costs for producers are eventually passed down to consumers.

Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE)

The PCE Price Index is another critical metric, often cited as the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation. Unlike the CPI, which uses a fixed basket of goods, the PCE accounts for changes in consumer behavior, such as substituting a cheaper product when another becomes too expensive. The PCE data is typically released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) near the end of each month, covering the previous month's activity. In late 2025 and early 2026, the PCE has been instrumental in confirming the broader downward trend in inflationary pressures.

Impact on Financial Markets

Inflation data releases serve as a primary catalyst for market movement. When the January 2026 data was released on February 13, U.S. Treasury yields fell almost immediately. This reaction occurred because the 2.4 percent inflation rate was lower than many had anticipated, leading traders to price in a higher probability of a Federal Reserve rate cut in the coming months. For investors in the digital asset space, these macroeconomic indicators are equally vital.

Cryptocurrency prices often react to inflation data in a manner similar to high-growth tech stocks. When inflation appears to be cooling, it suggests a more "dovish" central bank policy, which generally supports risk-on assets. Investors looking to manage their positions during these volatile periods can utilize platforms like WEEX to execute trades. For those interested in the primary market, the BTC-USDT">WEEX spot trading link provides access to major pairs like BTC/USDT, which frequently see increased volume during CPI release windows.

2026 Release Date Table

The following table outlines the confirmed and projected release dates for the primary inflation indicators during the first half of 2026. All times are 08:30 AM Eastern Time.

Data Month	CPI Release Date	PPI Release Date	Import/Export Prices
December 2025	January 13, 2026	January 30, 2026	January 15, 2026
January 2026	February 13, 2026	February 27, 2026	February 10, 2026
February 2026	March 13, 2026 (Est)	March 20, 2026 (Est)	March 5, 2026
March 2026	April 14, 2026 (Est)	April 17, 2026 (Est)	April 10, 2026 (Est)

Factors Influencing 2026 Data

Several unique factors are currently influencing the inflation trajectory in 2026. One major element is the lingering impact of tariffs introduced in previous years, which have pushed up the costs of certain imported consumer goods. Additionally, the labor market has shown unexpected resilience. The January 2026 jobs report, released on a Wednesday earlier that month, showed the addition of 130,000 positions, keeping the unemployment rate at a relatively low 4.3 percent. This strength in employment can sometimes create upward pressure on wages, which in turn can keep inflation higher for longer.

Furthermore, seasonal adjustments play a role in how the data is perceived. Research from the Boston Fed has noted that January inflation rates, when seasonally adjusted, often appear slightly higher than other months due to historical pricing patterns. Understanding these nuances helps investors realize that a single month's data point may not always represent a permanent shift in the economic trend, but rather a temporary fluctuation within a larger cycle.

How to Track Updates

For individuals and institutional traders alike, staying updated on these releases is essential for risk management. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics website remains the primary source for all CPI and PPI data. Most financial news outlets and economic calendars provide real-time updates as soon as the clock hits 8:30 AM ET. Because the data can lead to rapid price changes in both traditional and digital markets, having a reliable trading infrastructure is important. Users can complete their WEEX registration to ensure they are ready to react to market shifts as they occur.

In addition to the BLS, the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED) provides an extensive database and calendar that tracks these economic releases. By monitoring the FRED calendar, users can see not only the release dates but also historical revisions to previous data. These revisions are sometimes just as important as the new data, as they can change the perceived "speed" at which inflation is rising or falling over a six-month period.

Summary of Data Importance

In conclusion, the release of U.S. inflation data is a structured, monthly process that serves as the heartbeat of economic forecasting. In 2026, the focus has shifted toward confirming that the easing trend seen in January is sustainable. With the CPI at 2.4 percent, the market is currently optimistic, but participants remain vigilant for any signs of a rebound. By following the established schedule of the BLS and BEA, and understanding the differences between CPI, PPI, and PCE, anyone can better navigate the financial implications of these reports.

Whether you are a long-term investor or a short-term trader, these dates should be marked on your calendar. The interplay between labor strength, tariff impacts, and consumer spending will continue to define the inflation narrative throughout the remainder of 2026. Staying informed through official channels and utilizing professional trading tools will remain the best strategy for managing the volatility that inevitably follows these high-impact economic announcements.