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%.

Inflation Soars in January

The Consumer Price Index for January really blew up. The monthly change was a whopping 0.6%, the largest monthly gain since February 2013. The main cause was gasoline, which jumped up 7.8% for the month. Inflation with food and energy price changes removed increased 0.3% as most costs increased.

Using December CPI to compute real PCE shows a 138 basis point boost to 4th qtr GDP

With this CPI release for December, we can now attempt to estimate the economic impact of the December retail sales figures which were released last week, which saw nominal sales rise 0.6%.

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.

No Monthly Inflation Says July CPI

The Consumer Price Index had no change for July. Food inflation was a big fat zero and energy costs dropped another -1.6% for the month. Inflation with food and energy price changes removed increased 0.1% with shelter and medical costs once again driving the increase. From a year ago overall CPI has risen 0.8%.

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