Editorial note: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not financial advice. CPI release dates listed here are based on BLS historical scheduling patterns. Always verify confirmed dates against the official BLS CPI release schedule. Last updated: May 15, 2026.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is the most widely watched inflation measure in the United States. Published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), CPI data moves bond markets, equity indices, currency pairs, and Federal Reserve rate expectations within seconds of its release.
2026 CPI Release Schedule
| Release Date (Approx.) | Data Period Covered | Release Time (ET) | Official Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 14, 2026 | December 2025 CPI | 8:30 AM ET | BLS.gov |
| February 11, 2026 | January 2026 CPI | 8:30 AM ET | BLS.gov |
| March 11, 2026 | February 2026 CPI | 8:30 AM ET | BLS.gov |
| April 10, 2026 | March 2026 CPI | 8:30 AM ET | BLS.gov |
| May 13, 2026 | April 2026 CPI | 8:30 AM ET | BLS.gov |
| June 10, 2026 | May 2026 CPI | 8:30 AM ET | BLS.gov |
| July 14, 2026 | June 2026 CPI | 8:30 AM ET | BLS.gov |
| August 12, 2026 | July 2026 CPI | 8:30 AM ET | BLS.gov |
| September 9, 2026 | August 2026 CPI | 8:30 AM ET | BLS.gov |
| October 14, 2026 | September 2026 CPI | 8:30 AM ET | BLS.gov |
| November 12, 2026 | October 2026 CPI | 8:30 AM ET | BLS.gov |
| December 10, 2026 | November 2026 CPI | 8:30 AM ET | BLS.gov |
Note: Dates are based on BLS historical scheduling patterns. Always verify at bls.gov.
What Is CPI and What Does It Measure?
The Consumer Price Index measures the average change over time in prices paid by urban consumers for a representative basket of goods and services. The BLS tracks prices across food, energy, shelter, medical care, transportation, and education.
| CPI Component | Approximate Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shelter | ~34% | Largest component; lags real-time rent changes |
| Food | ~13% | Affected by commodity prices and supply chains |
| Energy | ~7% | Highly volatile; excluded in “core” calculation |
| Medical care services | ~7% | Tends to be sticky |
| Transportation services | ~6% | Includes used cars, airline fares |
| Other goods and services | ~33% | Apparel, recreation, education, communication |
Headline CPI vs. Core CPI
- Headline CPI: Includes all items including food and energy. More volatile month-to-month.
- Core CPI: Excludes food and energy. Often considered a better measure of underlying inflation trends and is more closely watched by the Federal Reserve for policy decisions.
Why CPI Reports Move Markets
| CPI Reading vs. Consensus | Typical Equity Reaction | Typical Bond Reaction | Typical Dollar Reaction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotter than expected | Often negative (fewer rate cuts priced in) | Yields rise (prices fall) | Often strengthens |
| In line with expectations | Muted or mixed | Limited move | Limited move |
| Cooler than expected | Often positive (more rate cuts priced in) | Yields fall (prices rise) | Often weakens |
Caveat: These are general patterns based on historical behavior. Market reactions vary based on the magnitude of the surprise and current macro context. This table is not a predictor of future reactions.
How to Read the CPI Report
- Year-over-year (YoY): Compares current month to same month one year ago. The headline number most reported by media.
- Month-over-month (MoM): Compares current to prior month. Shows trend speed.
- Consensus estimate: The median forecast from economists surveyed before the release. Market reaction is often driven by the gap between actual and consensus, not the absolute number.
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FAQ
What time is CPI released?
CPI is released at 8:30 AM Eastern Time (ET). Official source: bls.gov/cpi/.
Where can I find the official CPI data?
The official CPI data is published by the BLS at bls.gov/cpi/. The confirmed release schedule is at bls.gov/schedule/news_release/cpi.htm.
Is this financial advice?
No. This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Always verify release dates with BLS directly.
Sources checked: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov), Federal Reserve monetary policy communications (federalreserve.gov).
