inflation

Consumer Prices Rose 0.4% in November on Higher Energy Costs

The consumer price index increased by 0.4% in November, as higher prices for energy were only slightly offset by lower prices for groceries and clothing.  The Consumer Price Index Summary from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that the seasonally adjusted price index rose 0.4% in November after it had risen 0.1% in October, 0.5% in September, 0.4% in August, 0.1% in July, and after it was unchanged in June and had fallen 0.1% in May.

CPI Up 0.2% as Fresh Vegetables Soar in April

The Consumer Price Index for April reversed last month's course and rose by 0.2%.  Inflation increases were across the board.  Food rose 0.2%, energy 1.1% and all other items together increased 0.1%.  Shelter continues on it's tear with a 0.3% monthly increase.  Natural gas had a huge monthly increase of 2.2%.  Fresh vegetables had the largest monthly jump since February 2011, an increase of 5.1%.

Inflation Retreats in March

The March Consumer Price Index dropped by -0.3%.   That's unusual and a decline in CPI has not happened since February 2016.  The reason was volatile gas prices but America finally is catching a break on cell phone service costs too.  The gasoline index by itself dropped -6.2% for the month.  The bigger surprise is Inflation without food and energy prices considered dropped by -0.1%.

CPI Tamer in February

The Consumer Price Index for February returned to Earth with a 0.1% monthly increase.  January stayed unrevised at 0.6%.  The monthly change was the smallest gain since July 2016.  The main cause was gasoline, again, which dropped -3.0% for the month.  Inflation with food and energy price changes removed increased 0.2%.  From a year ago overall CPI has now risen 2.7%.

Producer Prices Up 0.3% in December, Unprocessed Goods Spike 8.3%

The seasonally adjusted Producer Price Index (PPI) for final demand rose 0.3% in December as prices for finished wholesale goods increased 0.7%, while margins of final services providers increased by 0.1%.  This followed a November report that indicated the overall PPI had increased 0.4%, with prices for finished goods up 0.2% while final demand for services rose 0.5%, and an October report that indicated the PPI was unchanged, with prices for finished goods up 0.4% while final demand for services fell 0.3%.

CPI Increased 0.2% As Gasoline Prices and Rents Rise

The November Consumer Price Index increased by 0.2%.  Once again, the main causes are shelter, which increased 0.3% for the month and gasoline, which rose 2.7% for the month.  Food inflation had no change for the fifth month in a row.  Inflation with food and energy price changes removed increased 0.2% as shelter is part of this measure.

CPI Jumps 0.4% on Shelter and Gas Costs

The October Consumer Price Index increased by a high 0.4%.  This is a six month high.  The usual suspects were shelter, which soared up 0.4% for the month and gasoline, which rose 7.0% for the month.  Food inflation had no change for the second month in a row.  Inflation with food and energy price changes removed increased 0.1% as shelter and medical costs are part of this measure.

Inflation Increases As Gas Prices and Shelter Costs Rise

The Consumer Price Index showed a September 0.3% increase.  The culprits were shelter, which soared up 0.4% for the month and gasoline, which rose 5.8% for the month.  Food inflation had no change.  Inflation with food and energy price changes removed increased 0.1% as shelter and medical costs are part of core inflation.

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