US inflation dip strengthens outlook for Azerbaijan and energy exporters [ANALYSIS]

Recent data from the United States has shown that inflation increased at a slower pace than anticipated in January. Consumer prices rose by 0.2 percent month-on-month, slightly below analysts’ expectations of 0.3 percent, while the annual increase reached 2.4 percent, marginally under the forecast of 2.5 percent. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the rise in service costs drove much of the inflation, including airline tickets, healthcare, entertainment, personal care, and communication services, while prices for used vehicles, household furnishings, and car insurance declined.