Jan CPI +0.5% vs +0.3% expected by both an..>

US DATA: Jan CPI +0.5% vs +0.3% expected by both an MNI survey and the 

whisper number on strong energy prices (+3.0%). Unrounded, the change 

was +0.53850%, on the high side of +0.5%. 

- Core CPI +0.3% (+0.34945% unrounded, very close to being rounded up) 

vs +0.2% expected. Misses of January core CPI have generally been small 

when they do happen, and have been to the low side in the last three 

years, so today's data go against that trend.

- The y/y rate for headline CPI held steady at +2.1% and the y/y rate 

for core CPI held steady at +1.8%, but analysts had expected a decline 

in rates for both. Financial markets are watching the inflation 

indicators closer than ever, so today's report suggests those concerns 

will remain. 

- Within the core, the large owners' equivalents rents category +0.3%, 

accounting for much of the gain, adding to a 1.7% jump in apparel prices 

after several declines and a 0.6% rise in medical care services.