U.S. consumer prices are accelerating despite a protracted slide in energy prices and a strong dollar, a sign that downward pressure on inflation finally may be starting to ease.

U.S. consumers showed signs of strength in January, taking advantage of low oil prices to increase their spending and offering a welcome counterpoint to the gloom that has gripped investors and roiled markets since the start of the year.

U.S. industries ramped up production in January, as strong car sales helped buffer factories against a global economic slowdown, but the outlook remains muddied.

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