Inflation holds steady—but it may not last.

Consumer prices jumped 2.4% last month, in line with expectations, the Labor Department reported yesterday. The reading provides a snapshot of where prices stood before the Iran war began, but analysts say it will be quickly rendered obsolete by the conflict, which could hike prices on energy, travel, food, and more. “The February data is already completely inconsequential,” one economist told the Wall Street Journal. Meanwhile, Target and McDonald’s announced price cuts to some items yesterday in an effort to woo consumers amid inflation.—AE