inflation

Q2 2016 Labor Productivity Declines By -0.5% as Labor Costs Rise

The BLS Productivity & Costs report for Q2 2016 shows labor productivity decreased -0.5% annualized.  Output increased 1.2% and hours worked increased 1.8%.  Unit Labor costs increased only 0.5% in Q2 2015.  The reason labor productivity declined was because economic output grew less than worked hours.  For the 2015 year, annual productivity rose 0.9%.

Rent and Gas Raises CPI

The Consumer Price Index increased by 0.2% for May.  Gasoline alone increased another 2.3% for the month.  Inflation with food and energy price changes removed increased 0.2% with shelter and medical costs once again driving the increase.  From a year ago overall CPI has risen 1.0%.  Without energy and food considered, prices have increased 2.2% for the year.

CPI Shoots Up 0.4% As Gasoline, Medical, Food and Shelter Prices Rise

The Consumer Price Index ballooned up by 0.4% for April as energy prices jumped up 3.4%.  Gasoline alone really shot up, 8.1% for the month.  Inflation with food and energy price changes removed increased 0.2% with shelter and medical costs once again increasing.  From a year ago overall CPI has increased 1.1%.

CPI Tame Again, Increases 0.1% for March

The Consumer Price Index increased 0.1% in March as energy prices increased for the first time since November.  Gasoline by itself increased 2.2% for the month.  Inflation without food or energy prices considered increased 0.1% with shelter and medical costs once again leading the charge.  From a year ago overall CPI has increased 0.9%, which is very low.

CPI Index Shows Overall Inflation Had No Change for January 2016

The Consumer Price Index had no change for January as energy prices declined once again.  Gasoline alone plunged by -4.8% for the month.  Inflation without food or energy prices considered increased 0.3% with shelter and medical costs leading the charge.  From a year ago overall CPI has increased 1.4%, which is double the annual rate of last month.

August Inflation -0.1% Due to Energy Prices

The Consumer Price Index decreased by -0.1% for August on energy price declines  Gasoline alone dropped -4.1% for the month.  Inflation without food or energy prices considered increased 0.1% for the month.  From a year ago overall CPI has increased 0.2%, which is very low, yet without energy and food considered, prices have increased 1.8%.

CPI Increases Only 0.1% for July, From a Year Ago Up Only 0.2%

The Consumer Price Index increased 0.1% for July, which is very mild.  This is in spite of a 0.9% increase in gasoline prices.  Energy overall only increased 0.1%.  Inflation without food or energy prices considered increased 0.1% for the month even with a 0.4% shelter cost increase.  From a year ago overall inflation has increased 0.2%, which is very low.

Labor Productivity Grows By Just 1.3% in Q2 2015

The BLS Productivity & Costs report for Q2 2015 shows labor productivity increased 1.3% annualized.  Output increased 2.8% and hours worked increased 1.5%.  Unit Labor costs increased only 0.5% in Q2 2015.  The reason labor productivity rose was because economic output grew more than worker hours.  Both Q4 2014 and Q1 2015 showed decreases in labor productivity.

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