Consumer Price Index declines

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The Consumer Price Index for the Midwest region decreased 0.2 percent in October, the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Nov. 18.|ret||ret||tab|

The decrease is largely due to a 6.5 percent decline in energy prices, led by decreases in electricity and motor fuel prices, according to Bob Gaddie, regional commissioner. Excluding energy, the index rose 0.3 percent in October, the report stated.|ret||ret||tab|

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Housing|ret||ret||tab|

Housing costs were down 0.5 percent in October, led by a 5.3 percent decline in fuels and utilities prices. Electricity prices declined for the first time since November 2002, falling 10.4 percent, but the report noted electricity declines are typical in October as winter rate schedules go into effect.|ret||ret||tab|

Utility natural gas prices saw the largest single jump on a yearly basis; natural gas prices jumped 23.3 percent over the year, while electricity prices increased 1.8 percent.|ret||ret||tab|

Over the year, housing prices rose 2 percent, shelter costs increased 1.6 percent and fuels and utilities prices were up 9.3 percent. |ret||ret||tab|

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Medical care|ret||ret||tab|

The cost of medical care and medical care services both increased 0.2 percent in October. Medical care costs were up 4.1 percent over the year, the largest annual increase of any major expenditure category.|ret||ret||tab|

Transportation|ret||ret||tab|

Transportation prices declined 0.9 percent in October. New and used motor vehicle prices were unchanged as a 1 percent increase in new vehicle prices was more than offset by a 2.9 percent decrease in prices for used cars and trucks. Motor fuel prices fell 6.6 percent over the month, following a 2.2 percent increase in September.|ret||ret||tab|

Over the year, transportation prices were up 0.8 percent and motor fuel prices rose 5.2 percent. New and used motor vehicles prices dropped 4.6 percent as prices for new vehicles declined 1.8 percent and prices for used cars and trucks fell 10.3 percent.|ret||ret||tab|

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Goods and services|ret||ret||tab|

Apparel prices followed a typical trend, growing in October (2.3 percent) and September (7 percent), as fall and winter merchandise is introduced.|ret||ret||tab|

Prices for other goods and services, which includes prices for tobacco and smoking products and personal care products, rose 0.2 percent in October. Over the year prices for other goods and services increased 0.6 percent.|ret||ret||tab|

The Midwest Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers stood at 179.1 in October, which means that a typical market basket of goods and services that cost $100 in the 1982-84 base period cost $179.10 in October 2003.|ret||ret||tab|

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