CPI for all items rises 0.2% in August; shelter up

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.2 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis, the same increase as in July, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 2.5 percent before seasonal adjustment. This represents the smallest 12-month increase since February 2021.

The index for shelter rose 0.5 percent in August and was the main factor in the all items increase. The food index increased 0.1 percent in August, after rising 0.2 percent in July. The index for food away from home rose 0.3 percent over the month, while the index for food at home was unchanged. The energy index fell 0.8 percent over the month, after being unchanged the preceding month.

• Indexes which increased in August include shelter, airline fares, motor vehicle insurance, education, and apparel.
• The indexes for used cars and trucks, household furnishings and operations, medical care, communication, and recreation were among those that decreased over the month.