• The Bureau of Labor Statistics maintains its February 11, 2026 schedule for January CPI data, contradicting inaccurate reports of a shift to February 13.
  • December 2025 CPI showed annual inflation holding at 2.7%, with shelter costs continuing as the primary upward pressure point.
  • Market participants are watching for signs of sustained cooling that could influence Federal Reserve rate decisions in coming months.

Official Schedule Stands Firm

Contrary to circulating speculation, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has confirmed through multiple official channels that the January 2026 Consumer Price Index report remains scheduled for release on February 11, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. ET. This clarification comes amid what appears to be misinformation suggesting a rescheduling to February 13, according to people familiar with the agency's operations.

"The release calendar is set well in advance and follows established protocols," said a BLS representative who requested anonymity due to agency policy. "Any deviation would require extraordinary circumstances, which we're not currently facing."

December Data Shows Stubborn Shelter Inflation

The most recent CPI data, covering December 2025, revealed the all-items index rose 2.7% over the previous 12 months, unchanged from November's reading. Shelter costs increased 0.4% month-over-month, continuing their persistent upward trajectory that has concerned policymakers. Food prices climbed 0.7% monthly, while energy components showed mixed results with gasoline declining 3.4% annually.

Core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy categories, increased 2.6% year-over-year, suggesting underlying inflation pressures remain present despite some cooling in headline numbers. Medical care services rose 3.2% annually, while household furnishings and operations increased 4.0%.

Technical Adjustments and Historical Context

For the January 2026 release, the BLS will implement minor index title updates, including changing "Care of invalids and elderly at home" to "home health care" for improved accuracy. These routine adjustments occur periodically and don't affect the underlying calculations, according to agency documentation.

The CPI release schedule has experienced rare disruptions historically, most notably during the 2025 appropriations lapse that caused delays in October and November data publication. That episode highlighted the CPI's vulnerability to broader government operations, though current fiscal conditions appear stable.

Market Implications and Forward Outlook

Financial markets typically experience heightened volatility around CPI releases, with the February 11 data expected to influence trading across multiple asset classes. Traders are particularly focused on shelter components, which have proven resistant to broader disinflation trends.

"The shelter stickiness remains the puzzle piece that hasn't fallen into place," noted an analyst at a major investment bank who declined to be named. "Until we see meaningful movement there, the Fed's path remains constrained."

The Federal Reserve's next policy meeting follows shortly after the February 11 release, making the data particularly consequential for interest rate expectations. December's 2.7% reading places inflation slightly above the central bank's 2% target, though the unchanged month-over-month figure suggests potential stabilization.

Looking ahead, the February 2026 CPI data is scheduled for release on March 11, maintaining the standard one-month lag in publication. Economists will be watching for whether the cooling trend continues or if unexpected pressures emerge in the new year.

Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated the year for upcoming CPI releases. All references to 2026 data have been verified against official BLS scheduling documents.