Wholesale prices declined slightly in December
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. wholesale prices fell last month because companies paid less for food and energy, evidence that inflation remains tame. The Labor Department said Wednesday that the producer price index, which measures price changes before they reach consumers, declined 0.1 percent in December. That follows a 0.3 percent rise the previous month and […]
Consumers hit retail stores to give economy boost
WASHINGTON — Consumers are giving a modest lift to the economy. They spent more on autos, electronics and building supplies in October to boost retail sales for the fifth straight month. The gains provide an encouraging start for the October-December quarter just as separate reports show wholesale prices are flattening and U.S. shoppers are spending […]
Core wholesale inflation jumps in July
WASHINGTON — A key measure of wholesale inflation rose in July by the most in six months. The measure, called core wholesale inflation, excludes volatile food and energy prices. It surged 0.4 percent last month. But most economists say they aren’t concerned about the increase. One reason is that it was driven largely by costlier […]
Higher energy prices push wholesale prices higher
WASHINGTON — More expensive gas pushed U.S. wholesale prices higher last month, although pricier cars and furniture also contributed to increase. The Producer Price Index, which measures price changes before they reach the consumer, rose 0.7 percent in March, the Labor Department said Thursday. That’s down from 1.6 percent in February. The index has increased […]
Higher energy and food costs lift wholesale prices
WASHINGTON — Wholesale prices in December posted their biggest increase in nearly a year, lifted by more expensive energy and food costs. But most other prices were largely well behaved, suggesting inflation isn’t spreading through the economy. The Producer Price Index, which measures price changes before they reach consumers, rose 1.1 percent in December, the […]
Wholesale prices rise on higher gas costs
WASHINGTON — Wholesale prices rose in October for the fourth straight month as the cost of gas increased by the most since January. The Labor Department said Tuesday that the Producer Price Index rose 0.4 percent last month, the same increase as September and August. Wall Street analysts had expected a larger increase. The index […]