The monthly Consumer Price Indexdropped -04% for December, the largest monthly drop since 2008 Once again it's all about falling oil prices. Gasoline prices declined the steepest since December 2008. Inflation with gas and food removed flat-lined and had no change from last month. CPI measures inflation, or price increases.
The December 2014 Retail Sales report shows retail sales declined -0.9% for the month. As gasoline prices plunged, sales as gas stations dropped a whopping -6.5%. Holiday sales on the other hand, were up 4.0%. Retail sales have now increased 3.2% from a year ago. December retail sales was not just about gas prices as most categories had monthly declines.
The monthly Consumer Price Indexdropped -0.3% for November. That's some serious deflation but not to worry, it's all about falling oil prices. Gasoline prices declined the steepest since December 2008. Inflation with gas and food removed increased a very tame 0.1%. CPI measures inflation, or price increases.
The November 2014 Retail Sales report shows retail sales increased 0.7% for the month. This is when gasoline prices have plunged, pulling down retail gas sales. October retail sales were revised upward by 0.2 percentage points to a 0.5% increase. Retail sales have now increased 5.1% from a year ago. November's increase was due to auto sales, although other retail sales categories increased.
The monthly Consumer Price Index increased 0.1% for September. CPI measures inflation, or price increases. September shows relief at the pump while steak lovers are hurting. Core inflation is below the Fed's target point. Yet while the monthly inflation number seems low, the situation is actually much more of a mixed bag, in part due to the way CPI is tabulated.
September 2014 Retail Sales decreased -0.3% for the month. August was revised to a 0.6% increase. Retail sales have now increased 4.3% from a year ago. September's decline was due to autos and gas, yet many sales categories were down for the month. Even Online retailers declined while Electronics and Appliance stores had an unusual 3.4% monthly increase.
February 2014 Retail Sales increased 0.3% for the month. This is the first increase in three months. January was revised all the way down to -0.6% and December's drop was -0.3%. Retail sales have now increased just 1.5% from a year ago. January's decline was due to a real nose dive in auto sales, down -2.3% for the month. Online retailers continue their rise with a 6.3% increase from a year ago.
The monthly Consumer Price Index increased 0.1% for January. CPI measures inflation, or price increases. While the monthly inflation number seems low, the situation is actually a mixed bag as electricity has it's largest inflation jump since January 2010. Natural gas costs also ballooned and the cost of sheltering oneself rose dramatically.
The Consumer Price Index increased 0.3% for December as the price of gas increased 3.1% and the cost of housing oneself is on the rise. CPI measures inflation, or price increases. This is the highest monthly increase in six months, yet for the year inflation is low. Overall energy costs increased 2.1% in December where price increases are needed least.
December 2013 Retail Sales increased 0.2% for the month on groceries, booze, gas and clothing. Retail sales have now increased 4.1% from a year ago. Electronics & Appliances tanked with their sales down -2.5% for December. Auto sales plunged -1.9% from the previous month, but that's OK, they are still up 6.2% for the year. Holiday sales increased 3.8%, a fine showing of more consumerism in America.
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