The consumer price index for February rose 7.9% from a year ago, the highest level since January 1982.

Excluding food and energy, both of which moved sharply higher during the month, core inflation still rose 6.4%, in line with expectations but the highest since August 1982.

Gas, groceries and shelter were the biggest contributors to the CPI gain. Auto prices eased.

Worker paychecks fell further behind, as inflation-adjusted earnings dropped 0.8% in February, contributing to a 2.6% decline over the past year.

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