Consumer Price Index Flat in November

Washington, DC, December 15, 2015—The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers was unchanged in November on a seasonally adjusted basis, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 0.5% before seasonal adjustment.

The indexes for energy and food declined in November, offsetting an increase in the index for all items less food and energy and resulting in the seasonally adjusted all items index being unchanged. The energy index fell 1.3%, with all of the major component indexes declining except electricity. The food index fell 0.1%, as the index for food at home fell 0.3%, with five of the six major grocery store food group indexes declining.

The index for all items less food and energy rose 0.2% in November, the same increase as in September and October. The indexes for shelter, medical care, airline fares, new vehicles, and tobacco were among the indexes that rose in November. In contrast, the indexes for recreation, apparel, household furnishings and operations, and used cars and trucks all declined.

The all items index rose 0.5% over the last 12 months; this is the largest 12 month increase since the 12-month period ending December 2014. The food index rose 1.3% over the span, while the energy index declined 14.7%. The index for all items less food and energy rose 2.0%, its largest 12-month increase since the 12 months ending May 2014.