(12-12-18)
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) was unchanged in November on a seasonally adjusted basis after rising 0.3 percent in October, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 2.2 percent before seasonal adjustment.
The gasoline index declined 4.2 percent in November, offsetting increases in an array of indexes including shelter and used cars and trucks. Other major energy component indexes were mixed, with the index for fuel oil falling but the indexes for electricity and natural gas rising. The food index rose in November, with the indexes for food at home and food away from home both increasing. The all items less food and energy index increased 0.2 percent in November. Along with the indexes for shelter and used cars and trucks, the indexes for medical care, recreation, and water and sewer and trash collection also increased. The indexes for wireless telephone services, airline fares, and motor vehicle insurance declined in November. The all items index increased 2.2 percent for the 12 months ending November, compared to a 2.5-percent increase for the period ending October. The all items less food and energy index rose 2.2 percent in November. The energy index increased 3.1 percent for the 12 months ending November; this was its smallest 12-month increase since the period ending June 2017. The food index rose 1.4 percent over the last 12 months.
