U.S. Stocks Expected to Rise on Tamer-than-Expected CPI Release (02-13-26)

Consumer price inflation came in 0.3% MoM in January (vs. 0.4% consensus), according to preliminary data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on February 13, 2026. The annual inflation rate eased to 3.4% (vs. 3.6% expected), suggesting less upward pressure on interest rates and providing a potential tailwind for equities. The milder-than-anticipated pace may support a pause in Federal Reserve rate hikes in the near term, according to economists surveyed by Nasdaq. If confirmed, this could lead to a more accommodative monetary environment, potentially提振 investor sentiment and offsetting the drag from higher-than-expected bond yields.