Consumer Prices Inched Up in October

Washington, DC, November 15, 2017-The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers rose 0.1% in October on a seasonally adjusted basis, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. Over the last 12 months, the all items index rose 2.0%.

The shelter index increased 0.3% and was the main factor in the seasonally adjusted all items increase. The energy index fell, as a decline in the gasoline index outweighed increases in other energy component indexes. The food index was unchanged over the month.

The index for all items less food and energy increased 0.2% in October. In addition to the shelter index, the indexes for medical care, used cars and trucks, tobacco, education, motor vehicle insurance, and personal care were among those that increased. The indexes for new vehicles, recreation, and apparel all declined.

The all items index rose 2.0% for the 12 months ending October, a smaller increase than the 2.2% increase for the period ending September. The index for all items less food and energy rose 1.8% over the past year, a slightly larger increase compared to the 1.7% increase for the 12 months ending September. The energy index increased 6.4% over the last 12 months, and the index for food rose 1.3%.