September 2010 Consumer Price Index

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The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.1 percent in September on a seasonally adjusted basis, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 1.1 percent before seasonal adjustment.

Increases in food indexes and another rise in the gasoline index contributed to the all items seasonally adjusted increase this month. Four of the six major grocery store food group indexes increased in September as the food index posted its largest increase since October 2008. The gasoline index rose again in September, leading to a third consecutive increase in the energy index despite a decline in the index for household energy.

The index for all items less food and energy was unchanged in September, as it was in August. The shelter index was unchanged for the second month in a row. The indexes for apparel, household furnishing and operations, recreation, and used cars and trucks all declined in September, offsetting a sharp increase in the index for medical care and a slight increase in the index for new vehicles.

Over the last 12 months, the index for all items less food and energy rose 0.8 percent, the lowest 12-month increase since March 1961, with the shelter component down 0.4 percent. The food index rose 1.4 percent, with both the food at home index and food away from home index rising the same 1.4 percent. The energy index rose 3.8 percent over the last year, with gasoline up 5.1 percent.

Seasonally adjusted changes from preceding month Un- adjusted 12-mos. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sep. ended 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 Sep. 2010

Consumer Price Index Data for September 2010

Food

The food index rose 0.3 percent in September after a 0.2 percent increase in August. Both the food away from home and the food at home index increased 0.3 percent. Within the latter group, four of the six major grocery store food groups posted increases, with the other two unchanged. The index for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs rose the most, increasing 0.9 percent after declining in August. Within that group, the eggs index rose 7.2 percent. The index for cereals and bakery products rose 0.8 percent in September after a 0.1 percent increase in August. The indexes for dairy and related products and for fruits and vegetables posted slight increases in September, while the indexes for nonalcoholic beverages and for other food at home were unchanged. Over the past year, the indexes for cereals and bakery products and for nonalcoholic beverages have declined, while the indexes for the other four groups have increased.

Energy

The energy index rose 0.7 percent in September after a 2.3 percent increase in August. Following a 3.9 percent increase in August, the gasoline index rose 1.6 percent in September. (Before seasonal adjustment, gasoline prices fell 1.4 percent in September.) In contrast, the household energy index declined in September, falling 0.6 percent, primarily due to a 2.3 percent decrease in the index for natural gas. The electricity index also declined, falling 0.3 percent, while the fuel oil index rose 0.8 percent. The indexes of all the major energy components have risen over the last 12 months.

All items less food and energy

The index for all items less food and energy was unchanged in September, as it was in August. The shelter index was unchanged for the second month in a row. The rent index rose 0.1 percent while the index for owners' equivalent rent was unchanged and the index for lodging away from home fell 0.2 percent. The medical care index rose sharply in September, increasing 0.6 percent. The index for medical care commodities rose 0.3 percent while the index for medical care services increased 0.8 percent with the hospital services index rising 1.8 percent. The index for new vehicles posted a slight increase in September, rising 0.1 percent, while the index for airline fares increased 0.2 percent. Offsetting these increases was a downturn in the index for used cars and trucks and continuing declines in several indexes. The used cars and trucks index fell 0.7 percent in September, its first decline since April 2009. The apparel index decreased 0.6 percent following a 0.1 percent decline last month. The index for household furnishings and operations fell 0.4 percent in September and has now declined in three of the last four months. The recreation index decreased 0.3 percent in September, its third consecutive decline.

The index for all items less food and energy increased 0.8 percent over the last 12 months. The index for education has increased 4.0 percent with the index for college tuition and fees up 4.4 percent. The index for used cars and trucks has risen 12.9 percent over the past year, with the indexes for new vehicles index up 2.1 percent and for airline fares up 6.1 percent. The medical care index has increased 3.4 percent. In contrast to these increases, the index for shelter has fallen 0.4 percent and the indexes for apparel, recreation, household furnishings and operations, and communication have also declined.

Not seasonally adjusted CPI measures

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 1.1 percent over the last 12 months to an index level of 218.439 (1982-84=100). For the month, the index rose 0.1 percent prior to seasonal adjustment.

The Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) increased 1.4 percent over the last 12 months to an index level of 214.306 (1982-84=100). For the month, the index was unchanged prior to seasonal adjustment.

The Chained Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (C-CPI-U) increased 0.9 percent over the last 12 months. For the month, the index rose 0.1 percent on a not seasonally adjusted basis. Please note that the indexes for the post-2008 period are subject to revision.

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