Consumer Prices Rise on Higher Food, Energy

Washington, DC, Feb. 17, 2011 -- U.S. consumer prices rose 0.4% in January, the Labor Department reported, due to higher food and energy expenses.

The core consumer price index, which strips out volatile food and energy costs, rose a lesser 0.2%.

Economists had forecast CPI to rise 0.3% overall, with a 0.1% increase in the core rate.

Consumer prices are up 1.6% over the last 12 months.