Jan CPI Surprise Lows Inflation, Fuels Fed Cut Outlook; Designer Brands Etc. Rally

January CPI rose 0.2% month-over-month, below forecasts, with the annual rate easing to 2.4%. The softer inflation data supports expectations the Federal Reserve may begin cutting interest rates as early as June, driving Treasuries higher and calming Wall Street despite sectoral volatility. Data released February 13, 2026, indicates lower inflation is a key prerequisite for easing, generally supportive of equities. Notably, Designer Brands (DSI) shares surged as revised guidance for 2025 due to a weak Q1, exacerbated by macro headwinds and softer consumer sentiment, returned to its 52-week high of $8.60 from December 2025. DSI is up 1.4% YTD and trades at $7.24, 15.8% below its 52-week high.