Midwest CPI rises slightly in November

The Consumer Price Index for urban consumers in the Midwest region, which comprises Missouri and 11 other states, rose 0.1 percent in November, according to news release from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Lower prices for food at home caused a 0.2 percent decrease in food costs, while higher gas prices led to a 0.8 percent increase in energy cost during the months.

The BLS splits the CPI into three categories: food, energy and all items less food and energy, which comprises items such as apparel, household furnishings, vehicle sales, recreation and shelter.

The third category remained virtually unchanged during November, according to the BLS.

During the last 12 months, the Midwest CPI has risen 1.2 percent, including an energy index up 5.3 percent from last November and a food index up 1.3 percent from the same month last year.

The total CPI was 208.8 in November, compared to 208.7 in October.

First published in 1966, the index measures the average change in prices over time for goods and services such as food, clothing, shelter, fuels, transportation fares, health care and drugs. The CPI measures price changes from the base period of 1982–84, which represents an index score of 100.[[In-content Ad]]