The producer price index (PPI) for inputs to residential construction less energy (i.e. building materials) rose 8.3% in 2022 (not seasonally adjusted) according to the latest PPI report—less than one-half the increase seen in 2021. On a monthly basis, building materials prices declined 0.3% in December—the fourth consecutive monthly decrease. After increasing an average of 1.8% per month the first five… Read More ›
Tag Archive for ‘energy prices’
Concrete Prices, Volatility Continue Torrid Pace as Lumber Normalizes
The prices of building materials decreased 0.3% in November (not seasonally adjusted) following 0.5% and 0.1% declines in September and October, respectively, according to the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) report. The index has decreased five of six months for the first time since 2015. The PPI for goods inputs to residential construction, including energy, fell 0.8% in November. The index… Read More ›
Revolving Consumer Credit Posts Double-Digit Increase in Q2 2022
Non-real estate consumer credit grew at a seasonal adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of 8.7% in the second quarter of 2022 according to the Federal Reserve’s latest G.19 Consumer Credit report. Revolving debt climbed 14.6% (SAAR), double the increase in nonrevolving debt (+6.9%). Total consumer credit currently stands at $4.6 trillion, with $1.1 trillion in revolving debt and $3.5 trillion in… Read More ›
Inflation Hits 39-Year High
Led by higher prices for shelter and used vehicles, consumer prices soared by 7.0% in December from a year ago. It was the largest year-over-year gain since June 1982. However, energy prices fell in December, ending a long series of increases. Supply-chain constraints and strong consumer demand related to the pandemic and the reopening of the economy have contributed to… Read More ›
Inflation Surges in November
In November, consumer prices increased by 6.8% from a year ago. It marks the largest year-over-year gain since June 1982. Supply-chain constraints and strong consumer demand related to the pandemic and the reopening of the economy have contributed to recent price increases in some sectors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by… Read More ›
Consumer Prices Post the Largest Gain in Three Decades
Compared to a year ago, on a not seasonally adjusted basis, consumer prices increased by 6.2% in October, the largest year-over-year gain since December 1990. Supply-chain constraints and strong consumer demand as the economy reopened have contributed to recent price increases. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.9% in October on… Read More ›
Consumer Prices Rise in September
Inflation accelerated in September, as prices for food and shelter showed notable gains. Federal Reserve officials described the current inflation run as “transitory”, and attributed recent increases largely to supply-chain constraints and a surge in consumer demand as the economy reopened. And they expected “inflation pressures to ease as the effect of these transitory factors dissipated.” The Bureau of Labor… Read More ›
CPI Growth Slows in August
In August, consumer prices increased at its slowest pace since February 2021. Prices for several travel-related categories declined in August, as the delta variant spreads. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.3% in August on a seasonally adjusted basis, following an increase of 0.5% in July. Excluding the volatile food and… Read More ›
CPI Growth Slows in July
Headline inflation and core inflation slowed in July after hitting a 13-year high in June. As the economy reopens, supply-chain disruptions and rebounding demand for certain services and products, such as travel-related services, pushed up consumer prices. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.5% in July on a seasonally adjusted basis,… Read More ›
Inflation Hits 13-Year High
In June, consumer prices increased at the fastest pace in the past 13 years. The recent surge in inflation mainly reflect increases in a few sectors influenced by the pandemic shutdown and rebounding demand as the economy fully reopens. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.9% in June on a seasonally… Read More ›