Midwest CPI remains stable in October

The Consumer Price Index for the Midwest was nearly unchanged in October, according to figures released Nov. 19, with an increase in transportation costs mostly offset by lower housing prices.

The index was up 0.1 percent to 205.7 in October compared to September. The index uses the average prices from 1982-1984 as a baseline of 100.

The transportation index rose by 1.5 percent, due to higher prices for new and used motor vehicles and motor fuel, while the housing index dropped by 0.5 percent for the month, due in large part to lower electricity costs.

The overall index was 0.2 percent lower than the same month last year, due to a 17.5 percent decline in comparative fuel costs and a 30 percent drop in utility gas service prices.

The index was up by 0.3 percent compared to the previous month when excluding the impact of food and energy prices, and the index was up 2 percent from the year before when excluding those items.

Overall, CPI prices rose 0.2 percent in the South region, 0.1 percent in the West and were unchanged in the Northeast.

The full October Midwest CPI report is available at the link below.