CPI Release Dates 2026
Complete Consumer Price Index (CPI) report schedule for 2026 — actual vs estimate, monthly and annual inflation readings, and real-time QQQ & SPY market reaction.
2026 CPI Report Schedule
| Date | Indicator | Actual | Estimate | Previous | Surprise | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, Apr 10, 2026 | CPI s.a | 330.293% | — | 327.46% | — | Details → |
| Fri, Apr 10, 2026 | CPI | 330.21% | 330.41% | 326.79% | Cool | Details → |
| Tue, May 12, 2026 | CPI s.a | 332.407% | — | 330.293% | — | Details → |
| Tue, May 12, 2026 | CPI | 333.02% | — | 330.21% | — | Details → |
| Wed, Jun 10, 2026 | CPI | — | — | 333.02% | Upcoming | Details → |
| Wed, Jun 10, 2026 | CPI s.a | — | — | 332.407% | Upcoming | Details → |
Hot = above estimate (bearish for stocks). Cool = below estimate (bullish). Yellow = consensus estimate.
What is the CPI?
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is published monthly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and measures the average change in prices paid by urban consumers for a representative basket of goods and services. It covers approximately 93% of the total U.S. population and tracks categories including housing, food, energy, transportation, medical care, and apparel.
CPI vs Core CPI — what's the difference?
CPI (headline) includes all items. Core CPIstrips out food and energy, which are volatile. Core CPI is considered a more reliable signal of underlying inflation trends. Note: the Fed's official preferred gauge is Core PCE (Personal Consumption Expenditures), not CPI.
How CPI moves markets
- ›Released at 8:30 AM ET — QQQ/SPY futures react immediately
- ›Hot CPI (above estimate) → fewer rate cuts expected → stocks fall, yields rise
- ›Cool CPI (below estimate) → more rate cuts priced in → stocks rally, yields fall
- ›YoY (year-over-year) reading gets the most attention from media and Fed
- ›MoM (month-over-month) gives the clearest signal of recent trend
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next CPI report in 2026?
CPI reports are released monthly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), typically at 8:30 AM ET. The exact upcoming date is shown above. US Market Calendar updates in real-time with actual vs estimate data.
What does the CPI measure?
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the average change in prices paid by urban consumers for a representative basket of goods and services — including food, energy, housing, transportation, and medical care. It is the most widely followed inflation gauge in the United States.
What is the difference between CPI and Core CPI?
Core CPI excludes food and energy prices, which tend to be volatile. The Fed and economists often focus on Core CPI as a more stable measure of underlying inflation trends. The Fed's preferred inflation gauge is actually Core PCE, not Core CPI.
How does the CPI report affect stock prices?
A CPI print above expectations ("hot") is typically bearish for stocks — it signals persistent inflation and reduces the probability of Fed rate cuts. QQQ (NASDAQ-100) and SPY (S&P 500) often sell off sharply on hot CPI surprises. A "cool" CPI reading below expectations is generally bullish for equities.
What is the current US inflation rate in 2026?
The current CPI inflation rate (year-over-year) is displayed on the US Market Calendar homepage, updated with each BLS release.