March 2015
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.2 percent in February on a seasonally adjusted basis the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported yesterday. The increase in the all items index was broad-based, with increases in shelter, energy, and food indices all contributing. The energy index rose after a long series of declines, increasing 1.0 percent as the gasoline index turned up after falling in recent months. The index for all items less food and energy rose 0.2 percent in February, the same increase as in January. In addition to shelter, the indices for used cars and trucks, apparel, new vehicles, tobacco, and airline fares were among those that increased. The medical care index was unchanged, while the personal care index declined.
The all items index was unchanged over the past 12 months, after showing a 0.1-percent decline for the 12 months ending January. Over the last 12 months the food index rose 3.0 percent, and the index for all items less food and energy increased 1.7 percent. These increases were offset by an 18.8-percent decline in the energy index.
