The Consumer Price Index Remained Unchanged in July Seasonally Adjusted and Increased 8.5% Annually

by Sarah Bauder | Aug 11, 2022 | CPI

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) remained unchanged in July on a seasonally adjusted basis, after a 1.3% increase seen in June, reported the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Since this time last year, prior to seasonal adjustment, the all items index grew 8.5%.

In July,  American consumers received a bit of relief at the pumps, as gas prices dropped 7.7%. This decrease in the composite index for gasoline was the principal reason for the seasonally adjusted monthly CPI remaining unchanged. Likewise, the decrease in gas prices, as well as the natural gas index, also contributed to the 4.6% monthly decline in the energy index.

Conversely, the index for food rose 1.1% in July mainly because of the 1.3% increase in the composite index for food at home. This means that American consumers paid more for food from grocery stores over the month.

Overall, since this time last year, the all items index rose 8.5%. Additionally, the index for all items less food and energy also increased by 5.9% year-over-year. Most pointedly, the index for food rose 10.9% over the last 12-month period. This marked “ the largest 12-month increase since the period ending May 1979,” explained the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in its monthly report.

The predominant sentiment among Americans is that of uncertainty pertaining to the overall health of the U.S. economy. Interestingly, a recent McKinsey & Company report found that a staggering 30% of U.S. consumers expressed trepidation about a looming recession.

(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Food

In July,  the index for food rose 1.1%, marking the seventh consecutive monthly increase. The index for food at home increased by 1.3% for the month, with all six major grocery store food group indexes seeing a rise in percentage.

This underscores concerns about food inflation, and specifically how the average American is contending with rising food prices to meet basic daily expenses.

Furthermore, in July U.S. consumers paid more to dine out at restaurants. The index for food away from home edged up 0.7% for the month.

Year-over-year, food prices in grocery stores rose 13.1%. Foodstuffs that saw the most significant percentage increase over the last 12-month period included cereals and bakery products (15%), fruits and vegetables (9.3%), and dairy products (14.9%).

Energy

In July, the index for energy decreased 4.6%, after a 7.5% rise the previous month. The price of gasoline dropped by 7.7%, after rising in June by 11.2%. The natural gas index fell by 3.6%, while the index for electricity increased 1.6% for the month.

Year-over-year, the price of gas soared 44% in July. Overall, the index for energy grew by 32.9% since this time last year. American consumers also paid more for electricity (15.2%) and natural gas (30.5%) over the last 12-month span.

(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

All Items Less Food and Energy

In July, the index for all items less food and energy edged up 0.3%. The index for shelter grew by 0.5%,  the owners’ equivalent rent index increased 0.6%, and the rent index increased 0.7%.

Since this time last year, American consumers paid more to shelter themselves. Specifically, the index for shelter increased 5.7% year-over-year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics explained that this composite index percentage increase was the primary factor for the overall rise in the all items less food and energy index.

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Source Cited: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/cpi_08102022.htm

The Consumer Price Index Rose 1.3% Seasonally Adjusted and 9.1% Annually in June

by Sarah Bauder | Jul 13, 2022 | CPI

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) grew by 1.3% on a seasonally adjusted basis in June, reported the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Over the last 12-month span, prior to seasonal adjustment, the all items index grew 9.1%.

“The increase was broad-based, with the indexes for gasoline, shelter, and food being the largest contributors. The energy index rose 7.5% over the month and contributed nearly half of the all items increase, with the gasoline index rising 11.2% and the other major component indexes also rising. The food index rose 1.0% in June, as did the food at home index. 

The index for all items less food and energy rose 0.7% in June, after increasing 0.6% in the preceding two months. While almost all major component indexes increased over the month, the largest contributors were the indexes for shelter, used cars and trucks, medical care, motor vehicle insurance, and new vehicles. The indexes for motor vehicle repair, apparel, household furnishings and operations, and recreation also increased in June. Among the few major component indexes to decline in June were lodging away from home and airline fares. 

The all items index increased 9.1% for the 12 months ending June, the largest 12-month increase since the period ending November 1981. The all items less food and energy index rose 5.9% over the last 12 months. The energy index rose 41.6% over the last year, the largest 12-month increase since the period ending April 1980. The food index increased 10.4% for the 12-months ending June, the largest 12-month increase since the period ending February 1981,” reported the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Energy

In June, the index for energy rose 7.5%. The price of gas increased 11.2% for the month, after the 4.1% increase seen in May. The price of electricity also rose 1.7%, and the natural gas index soared 8.2%, “the largest monthly increase since October 2005”.

“The energy index rose 41.6% over the past 12 months. The gasoline index increased 59.9% over the span, the largest 12-month increase in that index since March 1980. The index for electricity rose 13.7%, the largest 12-month increase since the period ending April 2006. The index for natural gas increased 38.4% over the last 12 months, the largest such increase since the period ending October 2005,” explained the bureau in its report.

(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Food

In June, the index for food rose 1%. The food at home index likewise increased by 1% for the month, “the sixth consecutive increase of at least 1.0% in that index”. Over the month, five of the six major grocery store food group indexes saw percentage increases, stated the bureau. 

“The food away from home index rose 0.9% in June after rising 0.7 percent in May. The index for full-service meals rose 0.8% over the month. The index for limited service meals increased 0.7% in June, as it did in May. 

The food at home index rose 12.2% over the last 12 months, the largest 12-month increase since the period ending April 1979. All six major grocery store food group indexes increased over the span, with five of the six rising more than 10%. The index for other food at home increased the most, rising 14.4%, with the index for butter and margarine increasing 26.3%. The remaining groups saw increases ranging from 8.1 percent (fruits and vegetables) to 13.8%(cereals and bakery products). 

The index for food away from home rose 7.7% over the last year, the largest 12-month change since the period ending November 1981. The index for full-service meals rose 8.9% over the last 12 months, and the index for limited service meals rose 7.4% over the last year,” said the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

All Items Less Food and Energy

The all items less food and energy index grew by 0.7% for the month of June. The shelter index rose 0.6%, the owners’ equivalent rent index increased 0.7%, and the index of rent rose 0.8%, “the largest monthly increase since April 1986”.

“The index for all items less food and energy rose 5.9% over the past 12 months. The increase was broad-based, reflecting advances in almost all major component indexes. The shelter index rose 5.6% over the last year, the largest 12-month increase since the period ending February 1991. The index for household furnishings and operations increased 9.5% over the last 12 months. The index for new vehicles rose 11.4% and the index for used cars and trucks increased 7.1% over the year, while the index for airline fares rose 34.1%,” explained the bureau.

Source cited: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/cpi_07132022.htm

The Consumer Price Index Increased by 1% in May

by Sarah Bauder | Jun 10, 2022 | CPI

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) grew 1% in May on a seasonally adjusted basis, reported the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.  Since this time last year, the all items index rose 8.6% prior to seasonal adjustment.

“The increase was broad-based, with the indexes for shelter, gasoline, and food being the largest contributors. After declining in April, the energy index rose 3.9% over the month with the gasoline index rising 4.1% and the other major component indexes also increasing. The food index rose 1.2% in May as the food at home index increased 1.4%. 

The index for all items less food and energy rose 0.6% in May, the same increase as in April. While almost all major components increased over the month, the largest contributors were the indexes for shelter, airline fares, used cars and trucks, and new vehicles. The indexes for medical care, household furnishings and operations, recreation, and apparel also increased in May. 

The all items index increased 8.6 percent for the 12 months ending May, the largest 12-month increase since the period ending December 1981. The all items less food and energy index rose 6% over the last 12 months. The energy index rose 34.6% over the last year, the largest 12-month increase since the period ending September 2005. The food index increased 10.1% for the 12-months ending May, the first increase of 10 percent or more since the period ending March 1981,” explained the Bureau of Labor Statistics in its report.

(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Energy

In May, the index for energy rose 3.9%. The price of gasoline increased 4.1% for the month after seeing a decrease the previous month. Composite energy indexes had percentage increases including the electricity index by 1.3%, and the natural gas index by 8%, “the largest monthly increase since October 2005”. 

“The energy index rose 34.6 percent over the past 12 months. The gasoline index increased 48.7 percent over the span. The index for fuel oil more than doubled, rising 106.7 percent; this represents the largest increase in the history of the series, which dates to 1935. The index for electricity rose 12.0 percent, the largest 12-month increase since the period ending August 2006. The index for natural gas increased 30.2 percent over the last 12 months, the largest such increase since the period ending July 2008,” stated the bureau.

Food

In May, the food index rose 1.2%. The food at home index saw a 1.4% for the month – “the fifth consecutive increase of at least 1%,” remarked the bureau in its monthly report. All six grocery store food composite indexes all experienced percentage increases for the month of May. Additionally, the index for food away from home also edged up 0.7% for the month.

“The food at home index rose 11.9 percent over the last 12 months, the largest 12-month increase since the period ending April 1979. All six major grocery store food group indexes increased over the span, with five of the six rising more than 10 percent. The index for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs increased the most, rising 14.2 percent, with the index for eggs increasing 32.2 percent. The remaining groups saw increases ranging from 8.2 percent (fruits and vegetables) to 12.6 percent (other food at home). 

The index for food away from home rose 7.4 percent over the last year, the largest 12-month change since the period ending November 1981. The index for full-service meals rose 9.0 percent over the last 12 months, and the index for limited-service meals rose 7.3 percent over the last year. The index for food at employee sites and schools fell 30.5 percent over the last 12 months, reflecting widespread free lunch programs,” said the bureau.

(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

All Items Less Food and Energy

The all items less food and energy index increased 0.6% in May. The index for shelter rose 0.6%, the largest monthly percentage rise seen since March 2004. Both the index for rent and the owners’ equivalent rent index increased by 0.6%, respectively.

“The index for all items less food and energy rose 6% over the past 12 months. The increase was broad-based, reflecting advances in almost all major component indexes. The shelter index rose 5.5% over the last year, the largest 12-month increase since the period ending February 1991. The index for household furnishings and operations increased 8.9% over the last 12 months. The index for new vehicles rose 12.6% and the index for used cars and trucks increased 16.1% over the year, while the index for airline fares rose 37.8%,” stated the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Source cited: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/cpi_06102022.htm

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) Increased 1.2% in March

by Sarah Bauder | Apr 12, 2022 | CPI

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) grew by 1.2% on a seasonally adjusted basis in March, reported the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Over the last 12-month period, before seasonal adjustment, the all items index rose by 8.5%.

“Increases in the indexes for gasoline, shelter, and food were the largest contributors to the seasonally adjusted all items increase. The gasoline index rose 18.3% in March and accounted for over half of the all items monthly increase; other energy component indexes also increased. The food index rose 1% and the food at home index rose 1.5%. 

The index for all items less food and energy rose 0.3% in March following a 0.5% increase the prior month. The shelter index was by far the biggest factor in the increase, with a broad set of other indexes also contributing, including those for airline fares, household furnishings and operations, medical care, and motor vehicle insurance. In contrast, the index for used cars and trucks fell 3.8% over the month.

The all items index continued to accelerate, rising 8.5% for the 12 months ending March, the largest 12-month increase since the period ending December 1981. The all items less food and energy index rose 6.5%, the largest 12-month change since the period ending August 1982. The energy index rose 32% over the last year, and the food index increased 8.8 percent, the largest 12-month increase since the period ending May 1981,” explained the bureau in its monthly report.

(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Energy

In March, the index for energy leaped by 11%. The price of gas soared 18.3% after the 6.6% increase seen in February. The price of electricity rose 2.2%, and the natural gas index increased 0.6%.

Since this time last year, the index for energy soared by 32%. The price of gasoline surged 48%, with percentage increases for the index for natural gas rising 21.6%, and the electricity index increasing 11.1%.

Food

In March, the index for food rose 1%. The food at home index increased 1.5% for the month. Over the month, all six major grocery store food group indexes saw percentage increases, explained the bureau. 

“The food at home index rose 10% over the last 12 months, the largest 12-month increase since the period ending March 1981. The index for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs increased 13.7% over the last year as the index for beef rose 16%. The other major grocery store food group indexes also rose over the past year, with increases ranging from 7% (dairy and related products) to 10.3% (other food at home). 

The index for food away from home rose 6.9% over the last year, the largest 12-month increase since December 1981. The index for full-service meals rose 8% over the last 12 months, and the index for limited-service meals rose 7.2%. The index for food at employee sites and schools, in contrast, declined 30.5% over the past 12 months, reflecting widespread free lunch programs,” stated the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

All Items Less Food and Energy

The all items less food and energy index inched up 0.3% for March. The composite index largely responsible for the monthly increase was the shelter index, which saw a 0.5% rise. Both the indexes for rent and owners’ equivalent rent increased by 0.4%, respectively. 

“The index for all items less food and energy rose 6.5% over the past 12 months, with virtually all of its major component indexes rising over the span. The shelter index rose 5% over the last 12 months, its largest 12-month increase since May 1991. The index for household furnishings and operations increased 10.1% over the past year, its largest 12-month increase since the period ending July 1975,” explained the bureau in its report.

Source cited: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/cpi_04122022.htm