Economists are bracing for intensifying price pressures and slower growth, posing a challenge for the Federal Reserve.

Inflation eased last month, but the data may offer less comfort to businesses, consumers and the Fed than it otherwise would as looming tariffs may keep prices rising.

Inflation has been top-of-mind for consumers for years now. And for years, Federal Reserve officials say the inflation rate is heading toward its goal, albeit on a slow and bumpy road. The February Consumer Price Index report,