US inflation cooled in February, offering some relief ahead of tariffs expected to push prices higher. Consumer prices rose 0.2% month-on-month, down from 0.5% in January and below economists’ forecasts. Annual CPI came in at 2.8%, just below the 2.9% estimate, while core CPI YoY was 3.1%, under the 3.2% forecast. Airfares, new car prices, and gasoline declined, while shelter costs, the largest component of services inflation, rose at a slower pace. Equities opened higher, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq gaining as investors welcomed signs of easing price pressures. The Federal Reserve is expected to keep rates steady next week, though signs of economic weakness could see policy easing arrive sooner than previously anticipated.