prices

March CPI Shows Inflation Rising

The Consumer Price Index increased 0.2% for March, the same rate as February, as overall energy costs continued to rise.  Gasoline prices alone increased 3.9%.  Inflation without food or energy prices considered increased 0.2% for the month.  From a year ago overall inflation declined -0.1% and this is due to the previous plunge in gasoline prices.

Consumer Spending a February Debbie Downer for Economic Growth

The February personal income and outlays report shows a -0.1% change in real consumer spending, which is not good news for economic growth.   Not adjusted for inflation consumer spending rose a scant 0.1%.  Real personal income isn't any better with no change for the month.

Gas Price Drop Deflates Consumer Price Index

The Consumer Price Index dropped -07% for January, the largest monthly drop since December 2008 and the steepest monthly decline in a series of seven.  Gasoline prices plummeted -18.7%, the steepest since December 2008.  The drop in gas overwhelmed the Consumer Price Index and was the cause of the overall drop.

Low Inflation On Much More than Gas as CPI Declines -0.4%

The monthly Consumer Price Index dropped -04% for December, the largest monthly drop since 2008  Once again it's all about falling oil prices.  Gasoline prices declined the steepest since December 2008.  Inflation with gas and food removed flat-lined and had no change from last month.   CPI measures inflation, or price increases.

 

Plunging Gas Prices Pull Down November CPI

The monthly Consumer Price Index dropped -0.3% for November.  That's some serious deflation but not to worry, it's all about falling oil prices.  Gasoline prices declined the steepest since December 2008.  Inflation with gas and food removed increased a very tame 0.1%.   CPI measures inflation, or price increases.

 

Inflation Deceptive, CPI 0.1% Yet Some Items Off the Charts

The monthly Consumer Price Index increased 0.1% for September.   CPI measures inflation, or price increases.  September shows relief at the pump while steak lovers are hurting.  Core inflation is below the Fed's target point.  Yet while the monthly inflation number seems low, the situation is actually much more of a mixed bag, in part due to the way CPI is tabulated.

CPI 0.1% for January, Shelter Inflation is on the Rise

The monthly Consumer Price Index increased 0.1% for January.   CPI measures inflation, or price increases.  While the monthly inflation number seems low, the situation is actually a mixed bag as electricity has it's largest inflation jump since January 2010.  Natural gas costs also ballooned and the cost of sheltering oneself rose dramatically.

 

Inflation Low In Spite of Rising Rent and Gas Prices

The Consumer Price Index increased 0.3% for December as the price of gas increased 3.1% and the cost of housing oneself is on the rise.   CPI measures inflation, or price increases.  This is the highest monthly increase in six months, yet for the year inflation is low.  Overall energy costs increased 2.1% in December where price increases are needed least.

 

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