U.S. Economy: Consumer Prices Rise Most in 4 Months

U.S. consumer prices rose the most in four months in February, adding to concerns that quickening inflation will prompt the Federal Reserve to accelerate interest- rate increases.

The consumer price index rose 0.4 percent, more than forecast, the Labor Department said today in Washington. Prices excluding food and energy rose 0.3 percent, the most since September. Prices on that basis were up 2.4 percent from a year earlier, the biggest increase since August 2002.