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The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is more than just a number in the news – it's a key indicator of the health of our economy. Ditch the confusion and become...
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The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is more than just a number in the news – it's a key indicator of the health of our economy. Ditch the confusion and become an inflation expert with our podcast. We break down the CPI, explaining how it tracks price changes for everything from groceries to gasoline. Learn how the CPI influences Federal Reserve decisions, impacts your budget, and reveals long-term economic trends. Plus, get actionable tips for managing your finances in times of inflation.
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21 MAY 2024 · The Bureau of Labor Statistics has released the much-anticipated Consumer Price Index (CPI) summary for April 2024, providing a detailed look at the state of inflation in the United States. This report, which was embargoed until 8:30 a.m. (ET) on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, offers valuable insights into the changing landscape of consumer prices across various sectors of the economy. CPI-U on the rise: The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) continued its upward trajectory, increasing by 0.3 percent in April on a seasonally adjusted basis. This follows a 0.4 percent rise in March, highlighting the persistent inflationary pressures facing consumers. Over the last 12 months, the all items index has grown by a substantial 3.4 percent before seasonal adjustment, underlining the significant impact of inflation on the cost of living. Shelter and gasoline drive inflation: The April CPI report reveals that the index for shelter and gasoline were the primary contributors to the monthly increase in the all items index. These two components alone accounted for over 70 percent of the monthly rise, emphasizing the significant role that housing costs and fuel prices play in shaping the overall inflationary picture. The energy index, which encompasses gasoline prices, rose by 1.1 percent over the month, adding to the financial burden on consumers. Food prices remain stable: In a bit of welcome news for consumers, the food index remained unchanged in April, following a modest 0.1 percent increase in March. This stability can be attributed to the contrasting movements within the food sector. The food at home index, which represents grocery store prices, declined by 0.2 percent, while the food away from home index, which covers restaurant and dining out expenses, rose by 0.3 percent over the month. Core inflation holds steady: The core inflation rate, as measured by the index for all items less food and energy, rose by 0.3 percent in April. This follows three consecutive months of 0.4 percent increases, indicating a slight moderation in the underlying inflationary pressures. However, it is important to note that the core inflation rate remains elevated, with a 3.6 percent increase over the last 12 months. Mixed bag of price movements: The April CPI report presents a mixed picture of price changes across various sectors. While indexes for shelter, motor vehicle insurance, medical care, apparel, and personal care increased over the month, there were notable declines in the indexes for used cars and trucks, household furnishings and operations, and new vehicles. This divergence in price movements highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of inflation. Long-term inflation trends: Looking at the bigger picture, the all items index has risen by 3.4 percent over the past 12 months, a slightly lower rate compared to the 3.5 percent increase observed for the 12 months ending in March. The core inflation rate, as measured by the all items less food and energy index, has increased by 3.6 percent over the last 12 months. Meanwhile, the energy index has grown by 2.6 percent, and the food index has risen by 2.2 percent over the same period. The April 2024 Consumer Price Index summary offers a comprehensive and nuanced view of the inflationary landscape in the United States. While the overall trend points towards persistent inflationary pressures, the report also highlights the divergent price movements across different sectors of the economy. As consumers continue to grapple with the impact of rising prices on their daily lives, policymakers and economists will closely monitor these trends to inform their decision-making processes. The next CPI report, scheduled for release on June 12, 2024, will provide further insights into the evolving state of inflation in the country.
Transcribed
10 APR 2024 · The cost of living in America rose at a steady pace in March, with the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increasing 0.4% on a seasonally adjusted basis, matching February's uptick. Over the past year, prices have climbed 3.5% before seasonal adjustment, outpacing February's 3.2% annual inflation rate.
The main drivers behind March's increase were shelter and gasoline costs, which together accounted for more than half of the overall rise in the index. The energy index jumped 1.1% in March, while the gasoline index surged 1.7%. Consumers felt the sting at the pump, with gasoline prices spiking 6.4% before seasonal adjustment.
Shelter costs, which include rent and owners' equivalent rent, rose 0.4% for the month and are up 5.7% compared to a year ago. Stubbornly high housing expenses have been a key factor fueling inflation, accounting for over 60% of the total increase in core CPI (excluding food and energy) over the past 12 months.
While overall food prices inched up just 0.1% in March, dining out is putting a bigger dent in Americans' wallets. The food away from home index, which covers restaurant meals, rose 0.3% for the month and is up 4.2% over the past year. Grocery prices were flat overall, although some categories saw significant swings - egg prices jumped 4.6% in March, while cereal and bakery products had their largest monthly drop on record, sliding 0.9%.
Underneath the headline numbers, price pressures remain widespread. The index for all items less food and energy, seen as a clearer gauge of underlying inflation, climbed 0.4% in March, continuing an unwelcome trend. Motor vehicle insurance soared 2.6% for the month and is up a staggering 22.2% over the past year. Medical care, recreation, and personal care costs are also markedly higher than a year ago.
A few bright spots emerged amid the inflationary gloom. Used car and truck prices fell 1.1% in March after rising in February. Airline fares, recreation, and new vehicle prices also edged lower for the month. However, any relief for consumers seems fleeting as inflation proves stubborn despite aggressive interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve over the past year.
With the annual inflation rate accelerating to 3.5% from February's 3.2% pace, Americans are left wondering when they'll feel more reprieve in their budgets. The March CPI report suggests that day may still be a ways off, as the rising cost of living maintains its grip on the economy.
Transcribed
1 MAR 2024 · The CPI Consumer Price Index what it is and why it matters
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is more than just a number in the news – it's a key indicator of the health of our economy. Ditch the confusion and become...
show more
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is more than just a number in the news – it's a key indicator of the health of our economy. Ditch the confusion and become an inflation expert with our podcast. We break down the CPI, explaining how it tracks price changes for everything from groceries to gasoline. Learn how the CPI influences Federal Reserve decisions, impacts your budget, and reveals long-term economic trends. Plus, get actionable tips for managing your finances in times of inflation.
show less
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| Author | QP-2 |
| Organization | William Corbin |
| Categories | Business |
| Website | - |
| corboo@mac.com |
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