Consumer prices flat in February

U.S. consumer prices were unchanged on a seasonally adjusted basis in February, as falling energy prices offset increases in prices of cars, medical care and food. In the past year, the CPI has risen 2.1%. The core rate is up 1.3% in the past year, the smallest year-over-year increase in six years. If current trends continue, the core rate could drop below the Federal Reserve's target of 1% to 2% for the first time since 1963, economists said, fueling some worries about deflation.

• As less consumers are paying for producst. Many economists are worrying about deflation as current trends continues, which the core rate might drop below the Federal Reserve's target.