Wholesale inflation in the United States unexpectedly accelerated on a monthly basis in February, indicating increased costs for goods and services. Data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Wednesday showed the Producer Price Index (PPI) increased by 0.7% month-over-month, following a 0.5% rise in the previous month. The core wholesale inflation measure, which excludes food and energy, rose 0.5% from the prior month.

Key PPI figures are as follows: - Final demand PPI (month-over-month): +0.7%, compared to an expected +0.3% - PPI excluding food and energy (month-over-month): +0.5%, compared to an expected +0.3% - Final demand PPI (year-over-year): +3.4%, compared to an expected +3.0% - PPI excluding food and energy (year-over-year): +3.9%, compared to an expected +3.7%

Previously released data indicated that core consumer inflation in the U.S. had slowed on a monthly basis in February. However, these figures do not yet reflect the impact of the conflict involving Iran, which has driven up energy prices and has begun to affect consumer confidence.