Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Inflation: U.S. Headline CPI Comes In As Expected, Housing Up

Core was a bit higher than expectations.

From the Bureau of Labor Statistics, September 11:

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX - AUGUST 2024

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.2 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis, the same increase as in July, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 2.5 percent before seasonal adjustment.

The index for shelter rose 0.5 percent in August and was the main factor in the all items increase. The food index increased 0.1 percent in August, after rising 0.2 percent in July. The index for food away from home rose 0.3 percent over the month, while the index for food at home was unchanged. The energy index fell 0.8 percent over the month, after being unchanged the preceding month.

The index for all items less food and energy rose 0.3 percent in August, after rising 0.2 percent the preceding month. Indexes which increased in August include shelter, airline fares, motor vehicle insurance, education, and apparel. The indexes for used cars and trucks, household furnishings and operations, medical care, communication, and recreation were among those that decreased over the month.

The all items index rose 2.5 percent for the 12 months ending August, the smallest 12-month increase since February 2021. The all items less food and energy index rose 3.2 percent over the last 12 months. The energy index decreased 4.0 percent for the 12 months ending August. The food index increased 2.1 percent over the last year....

....MUCH MORE, including table and narrative.

And more to come.