05.10.2019
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.3 percent in April on a seasonally adjusted basis after rising 0.4 percent in March the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the last 12 months the all items index increased 2.0 percent before seasonal adjustment.
The gasoline index continued to increase rising 5.7 percent and accounting for over two-thirds of the seasonally adjusted all items monthly increase. The index for energy rose 2.9 percent although the index for natural gas declined and the index for electricity was unchanged. The food index fell in April its first monthly decline since June 2017.
Core inflation—all items minus food and energy—rose 0.1 percent in March. The Fed’s preferred gauge has held steady at around its 2.0 percent price growth target a “healthy for the economy” level. Along with the shelter index the indexes for medical care new vehicles recreation education and tobacco all increased. In contrast the indexes for apparel used cars and trucks and airline fares all declined in March.
The index for all items less food and energy increased 0.1 percent for the third consecutive month. The indexes for shelter medical care education and new vehicles all rose in April. The indexes for used cars and trucks apparel and household furnishings and operations were among those that declined over the month.
The full press release can be found via the .pdf below.
Next release is Wednesday June 12 2019 for the May 2019 Consumer Price Index.
