Inflation Rate

Japanese CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of July 2010

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Japanese economy came in at 99.2 for the month of July 2010. The inflation rate year over year was -0.8991% (compared to -0.6972% for the previous month). Inflation from June 2010 to July 2010 was -0.5015%. For the month of July, 8 out of the 10 major group indices saw a decrease in prices over the past 12 months. The decrease in the CPI was largely due to Education (down 13% over the past 12 months) and Furniture and household utensils (decrease of 4.5% for the past 12 months). Large downward trends year over year were also seen in Reading and recreation (down 1.5% from July 2009) and in Clothes and footwear (-1.0%). The remaining indices that also applied small amounts of downward pressure to the CPI on an annual basis were Medical care (-0.5%), Food (-0.5%), Housing (-0.4%), and Miscellaneous (-0.3%). The upward contributors to the CPI over 12 months were Fuel, light and water charges (+1.8%) and Transportation and communication (+0.6% from July 2009 to July 2010). On a month to month basis from June 2010 to July 2010, downward pressure in prices came from Clothes and footwear (-3.6%), Food (-1.1%), Furniture and household utensils (-0.6%), Medical care (-0.2%), Transportation and communication (-0.2%), and Miscellaneous (-0.1%). Education and Housing groups were both flat month over month. Upward contributors to the CPI on a month to month basis were: Reading and recreation (+0.1%), and Fuel, light and water charges (+0.2%). For the past 12 months, the General index, excluding food and energy has decreased by 1.5% (the General index includes the ten major group indices). Over the same period the Goods index has decreased 0.6% and the Services index has decreased by 1.2%. Next release is scheduled for October 1, 2010.

Canadian CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of July 2010

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Canadian economy came in at 116.8 for the month of July 2010. The inflation rate year over year was 1.8309% (compared to 0.9557% for the previous month). Inflation from June 2010 to July 2010 was 0.5164%. Energy prices increased by 7.9% for the 12 months up to July 2010 (compared to +1.3% for June 2009 to June 2010). Electricity prices rose 9.8% in July following a 5.8% advance in June. Gasoline prices decreased 4.8% over the 12-months to July 2010 (compared to a 2.9% decrease in June 2010 over a 12-month period). 7 of the 8 major components contributed to price increases from July 2009 to July 2010. The shelter index rose by 2.9% (+1.6% in June) due to increases in electricity, homeowner's replacement costs, and natural gas. Offsetting this increase was the mortgage interest cost index (measures the change in interest portion of payments on outstanding mortgage debt) which decreased 4.2% in July, following a 5.0% decrease in June. Transportation increased 2.7% over July 2009 (+1.0% in 12-months up to June 2010). Increases were due to an increase of 1.7% for the purchase of passenger vehicles along with increases in gasoline prices and passenger vehicle insurance premiums. Additional upward pressure on the CPI came from: Household operations, furnishings and equipment (+2.0% compared to 1.2% last month); Food prices increased by 1.1% over the 12-month period to July (compared to 0.7% last month). Large contributors to the increase in food prices came from food purchased from restaurants and food purchased from stores. Prices rose for non-alcoholic beverages, sugar and confectionary, and dairy products and eggs, while prices for fresh fruit and fresh vegetables fell. Health and personal care prices increased by 2.8% over last July (1.7% in June 2010). Recreation, education and reading increased by 0.8% for the 12-months to July (compared to +0.4% last month). Consumers paid more for cablevision and satellite services, and recreational facilities and services while prices for home entertainment equipment, parts and services and computer equipment and supplies fell. The only component that contributed to downward pressure on the CPI was from Clothing and footwear where prices declined 2.7% over the 12 months to July (compared to -1.8% in June). The main contributors being women's, children's, and men's clothing. Next release is scheduled for September 21, 2010.

UK CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of July 2010

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 4:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United Kingdom economy came in at 114.3 for the month of July 2010. The inflation rate year over year was 3.0658% (compared to 3.2432% for the previous month). Inflation from June 2010 to July 2010 was -0.2618%. Upward pressure on the annual CPI rate change came from food and non-alcoholic beverages with the largest upward effect from vegetables and smaller upward effects from meat, fruit and mineral waters, soft drinks and juices. These were partially offset by a small downward effect from sugar, jam, syrups, chocolate and confectionery. The other upward contributor in the annual CPI change was from furniture, household equipment and maintenance with small upward effects coming from carpets and other floor coverings, and non-durable household goods. The largest downward contributors to the annual CPI change came from transport with the largest contribution coming from fuel and lubricants due to a fall of 0.7 pence per litre in the price of petrol this year compared with a rise of 1.1 pence per litre a year ago. A small downward effect came from rail transport and a partially offsetting upward effect from sea and inland waterway transport. Prices for second hand cars also contributed to the downward trend. The other major downward contributors to the CPI over the last year were clothing and footwear where prices, overall, fell by 4.9% this year mainly due to women’s outerwear and, to a lesser extent, footwear; miscellaneous goods and services due to downward effects from financial services and, to a lesser extent, appliances and products for personal care; and recreation and culture mostly from recording media (particularly pre-recorded DVDs) and other recreational items, gardens and pets. These were partially offset by an upward effect from photographic, cinematographic and optical equipment (particularly digital cameras) where prices rose this year but fell a year ago. On a 1-month basis the major upward contributors to the monthly CPI were: transport (mainly due to air transport where fares rose sharply on domestic and long haul routes); and food and non-alcoholic beverages where prices, overall, rose by 1.0%, a record for a June to July period. The largest upward effects came from vegetables and mineral waters, soft drinks and juices. Downward pressure on a 1-month basis came from clothing and footwear where prices, overall, fell by 4.9%, the largest fall for a June to July period since 2002. The largest downward effect came from women’s outerwear; and furniture, household equipment and maintenance where the largest downward effect came from furniture and furnishings where prices fell by 5.1%. Next release is scheduled for September 14, 2010.

USA CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of July 2010

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 8:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United States economy came in at 218.011 for the month of July 2010. The inflation rate year over year was 1.2352% (compared to 1.0533% for the previous month). Inflation from June 2010 to July 2010 was 0.0211%. Over the last 12 months, the food index has risen 0.9% with the food at home index up 0.7%. The food index was dropped 0.1% over last month (unchanged in June). The food at home index decreased 0.1% over last month and the food away from home was unchanged. Within the food at home group, fruits and vegetables fell 1.9% and cereals and bakery products decreased 0.3%. Offsetting these declines was indexes for other food at home and for non-alcoholic beverages which increased 0.2% and 0.6%, respectively. Other increases came from dairy and related products (+0.5%) and the index for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs, which increased 0.3%. The energy index has risen 5.2% for the 12 months leading to July 2010 which includes a 7.4% increase in the gasoline index. Over last month the energy index increased by 2.6% (-2.9% in June). Further upward pressure came from the index for household energy which increased 0.6% in July (-1.6% in June), natural gas which rose +1.7% (+0.6% last month), and the electricity index (+0.5% compared to -2.2% in June). Downward pressure came from the fuel oil index which dropped 1.6% (-3.2% in June). The index for all items less food and energy increased 0.9% over the 12 months up to July. Indexes that have increased during the same 12 month period are used cars and trucks (+17.0%), medical care (+3.2%), airline fares (+10.2%) and tobacco (+7.4%). Offsetting those increases were declines in the shelter index (-0.7%) household furnishings and operations (-3.1%), recreation (-0.8%), and apparel (-0.3%). Next release is scheduled for September 17, 2010.

Japanese CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of June 2010

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Japanese economy came in at 99.7 for the month of June 2010. The inflation rate year over year was -0.6972% (compared to -0.8946% for the previous month). Inflation from May 2010 to June 2010 was 0.0000%. For the month of June, 7 out of the 10 major group indices saw a decrease in prices over the past 12 months. The decrease in the CPI was largely due to Education (down 13% over the past 12 months) and Furniture and household utensils (decrease of 4.9% for the past 12 months). Large downward trends year over year were also seen in Clothes and footwear (-1.6%) and in Reading and recreation (down 1.4% from June 2009). The remaining indices that also applied small amounts of downward pressure to the CPI on an annual basis were Housing (-0.4%), Miscellaneous (-0.4%) and Food (-0.1%). The Medical care index was flat year over year. The upward contributors to the CPI over 12 months were Fuel, light and water charges (+0.8%) and Transportation and communication (+1.4% from June 2009 to June 2010). On a month to month basis from May 2010 to June 2010, downward pressure in prices came from Furniture and household utensils (-0.6%), Transportation and communication (-0.4%), Clothes and footwear (-0.4%), and Reading and recreation (-0.1%). Education, Housing, and Miscellaneous groups were all flat month over month. Upward contributors to the CPI on a month to month basis were: Medical care (+0.1%), Food (+0.3%), and Fuel, light and water charges (+0.3%). For the past 12 months, the General index, excluding food and energy has decreased by 1.4% (the General index includes the ten major group indices). Over the same period the Goods index has decreased 1.3% and the Services index has decreased by 1.1%. Next release is scheduled for August 27, 2010.

Australian CPI and Inflation Rate for the quarter ended June 2010

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Australian economy came in at 172.1 for the quarter ending June 2010. The inflation rate year over year was 3.0539% (compared to 2.8881% for the previous quarter). Inflation from March 2010 to June 2010 was 0.6433%. The most significant price increases this quarter were for tobacco (+15.4%), hospital and medical services (+3.8%), automotive fuel (+2.1%), rents (+1.1%) and house purchase (+0.6%). The most significant price decreases were for in domestic holiday travel and accommodation (–6.0%), fruit (–4.8%), audio, visual and computing equipment (–6.3%), vegetables (–3.0%) and overseas holiday travel and accommodation (–1.9%). The alcohol and tobacco group increased 5.9% (+1.3% last period) - tobacco increased by 15.4% due to a 25% increase in excise tax on the 30th of April 2010 and some price rises. This is the largest tobacco increase since December quarter 1975. Increases in the index also came from beer (+1.3%) and wine (+0.3%) and partially offset by spirits (-0.2%). Year-over-year the alcohol and tobacco group rose 8.7% due to increases in tobacco (+17.1%), beer (+6.1%), spirits (+2.6%) and wine (+1.5%). The housing group increased 0.6% (+1.5% last period) - main contributors were rents (+1.1%) and house purchase (+0.6%). A small downward contribution came from electricity (-0.6%). Year-over-year the housing group rose 5,8% mainly due to electricity (+18.2%), house purchase (+3.9%) and rents (+4.4%). The health index increased 2.2% (+4.7% last period) - increases came from hospital and medical services (+3.8%) which rose mainly as a result of increases in private health fund premiums from 1 April 2010. A small downward contribution came from pharmaceuticals (–1.3%), mainly due to the effect of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme safety net. Year-over-year the health group rose 5.0% with increases in hospital and medical services (+6.7%), dental services (+4.0%) and pharmaceuticals (+1.2%). Transportation Index rose 0.7% (+1.3% last period) - main contributor were rises in the price of automotive fuel (+2.1%), motor vehicle repair and servicing (+0.8%) and other motoring charges (+1.4%). Urban transport fares (–1.6%), motor vehicles (–0.2%) and motor vehicle parts and accessories (–0.1%) were the main offsetting effect. Year-over-year the transportation index rose 3.2%, with the main contributor being automotive fuel (+7.6%), other motoring charges (+7.7%), motor vehicle repair and servicing (+2.2%), urban transport fares (+2.6%), and motor vehicle parts and accessories (+0.4%) which was partially offset by motor vehicles (–0.7%). The household contents and services index decreased 0.9% (+1.3% last period) - contributors were furniture (+2.0%), glassware, tableware and household utensils (+6.2%) and towels and linen (+2.8%). Major household appliances (–0.7%) and toiletries and personal care products (–0.3%) provided the largest offsets. Year-over-year the household contents and services group rose 0.2%, major contributors were rises in other household services (+3.9%) and hairdressing and personal care services (+3.1%). The Financial and insurance services index rose +2.0% (0.2% last period) - the primary contributor was other financial services (+0.8%) driven by increases in real estate agent fees and taxes on transfers. Year-over-year the financial and insurance services group has increased 3.9%, led by a rise in deposit and loan facilities (+6.4%), insurance services (+5.2%), and other financial services (+0.4%). The recreation index decreased -1.8% (+1.0% last period) - mainly due to domestic holiday travel and accommodation (–6.0%), audio, visual and computing equipment (–6.3%) and overseas holiday travel and accommodation (–1.9%). And partially offset by pets, pet foods and supplies (+4.5%). Year-over-year the recreation group dropped 0.6% mainly due to audio, visual and computing equipment (–19.9%). This was offset by increases in pets, pet food and supplies (+13.0%) and other recreation activities (+4.5%). The food index decreased 0.3% (Compared to +1.1% last period) - the largest downward effects came from (–4.8%) and vegetables (–3.0%) and partially offset by soft drinks, waters and juices (+1.6%). Year-over-year the food group is up 1.4%, primarily from increases in take away and fast foods (+2.2%) and restaurant meals (+2.4%). The most significant offset was fruit (–1.7%). Over the twelve months to June quarter 2010, the communications group fell 0.2%. The clothing and footwear group was flat for the quarter (+4.3% last period) - due to decreases in women's footwear (–3.8%) and women's underwear (–1.5%) offset by increases in accessories (+1.7%) and children's and infants' clothing (+1.5%). Year-over-year the clothing and footwear index dropped 3.8% mainly due to men's outerwear (–6.2%), women's outerwear (–3.8%) and children's and infants' clothing (–6.4%). Shoe repair (+3.2%) recorded the largest offset. The education group index was flat for the quarter (+5.6% last period)- Preschool primary education rose 0.1% due to a small increase in some preschool fees. Year-over-year the education group has risen 5.7%. Next release is scheduled for October 27, 2010.

Canadian CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of June 2010

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Canadian economy came in at 116.2 for the month of June 2010. The inflation rate year over year was 0.9557% (compared to 1.3949% for the previous month). Inflation from May 2010 to June 2010 was -0.0860%. Energy prices which increased by 1.3% for the 12 months up to June 2010 (compared to +6.2% for May 2009 to May 2010). Gasoline prices decreased 0.9% over the 12-months to June 2010, the first 12-month decrease since October 2009 (compared to a 6.9% rise in May 2010 over a 12-month period). Prices for natural gas were 3.0% higher in June than they were a year earlier. This followed a 4.7% increase in the 12 months to May, and it is the third consecutive 12-month increase in natural gas prices. Electricity prices rose 5.8% in June following a 4.0% advance in May and prices for the purchase of passenger vehicles increased for the sixth consecutive month (+2.8% in June and +5.1% in May). 7 of the 8 major components contributed to price increases from June 2009 to June 2010. The shelter index rose by 1.6% (+1.3% in May) due to increases in household utilities and homeowner's replacement costs which rose 5.2% (+4.4 in May). Offsetting this increase was the mortgage interest cost index (measures the change in interest portion of payments on outstanding mortgage debt) which decreased 5.0% in June, following a 5.4% decrease in May. Transportation increased 1.0% over June 2009 (+4.1% in 12-months up to May 2010). Insurance premiums were also 4.1% higher for passenger vehicles compared to June 2009. Additional upward pressure on the CPI came from: Household operations, furnishings and equipment (+1.2% compared to 0.9% last month) where increases came from telephone services and child care and were slightly offset by financial services (-2.8%). Food prices increased by 0.7% over the 12-month period to June (compared to 0.8% last month), the smallest increase since March 2008. Large contributors to the increase in food prices came from food purchased from restaurants (+1.8%). Prices increased for sugar and confectionery, tomatoes and lettuce, while prices for oranges and potatoes fell. Health and personal care prices increased by 1.7% over last June (2.2% in May 2010). Recreation, education and reading increased by 0.4% for the 12-months to June (compared to -0.2% last month). Consumers paid more for cablevision and satellite services while prices for video equipment and computer equipment and supplies fell. The only component that contributed to downward pressure on the CPI was from Clothing and footwear where prices declined 1.8% over the 12 months to June. The main contributors being women's and children' clothing. Next release is scheduled for August 20, 2010.

USA CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of June 2010

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 8:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United States economy came in at 217.965 for the month of June 2010. The inflation rate year over year was 1.0533% (compared to 2.0210% for the previous month). Inflation from May 2010 to June 2010 was -0.0976%. Over the last 12 months, the food index has risen 0.7% with the index for food away from home up 1.2% and the food at home index up 0.2%. The food index was unchanged over last month (unchanged in May). The food at home index decreased 0.1% over last month and the food away from home index rose 0.1%. Within the food at home group, fruits and vegetables fell 1.3%, mostly due to a 3.0% drop in the index for fresh vegetables; cereals and bakery products decreased 0.6% and the indexes for other food at home and for non-alcoholic beverages dropped 0.3% and 0.2%, respectively. Offsetting these declines was meats, poultry, fish, and eggs which increased 1.0% in June. The energy index has risen 3% for the 12 months leading to June 2010 which includes a 3.9% increase in the gasoline index. Over last month the energy index decreased by 2.9% (-5.2% in May). Further downward pressure came from the index for household energy which decreased 1.6% in March (-0.6% in May). The fuel oil index dropped 3.2% (-1.4% in May) along with electricity index which dropped 2.2%, while the index for natural gas increased by 0.6% (-1.0% last month). The index for all items less food and energy increased 0.9% over the 12 months up to June. The shelter index increased by 0.1% and the indexes for both rent and owners' equivalent rent increased by 0.1% in June. The index for new vehicles rose 0.1%. Increases came from: medical care (+0.4%), used cars and trucks (+0.9%), apparel (+0.8%), tobacco (+1.0%), recreation index (+0.1%). Decreases came from: airline fares (-0.6%), index for household furnishings and operations (-0.4%). Next release is scheduled for August 13, 2010.

UK CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of June 2010

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 4:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United Kingdom economy came in at 114.6 for the month of June 2010. The inflation rate year over year was 3.2432% (compared to 3.3424% for the previous month). Inflation from May 2010 to June 2010 was 0.1748%. The only upward pressure on the annual CPI rate change came from miscellaneous goods and services: the largest upward effects here came from house contents and car insurance where average premiums rose between May and June this year but fell a year ago. The largest downward contributors to the CPI came from transport with the largest contribution coming from fuel and lubricants since the price of oil, petrol and diesel prices fell this year between May and June but rose sharply a year ago. The second largest contributor to the downward effects in the transport group came from the purchase of second hand cars which saw a record 1.8% increase over last year. The only large offsetting effect to the downward trend in the transport group was from air transport where fares rose by more than a year ago, particularly on European and long haul routes. The other major downward contributor to the CPI over the last year was from clothing and footwear where prices fell 2.1%. This is a record decrease the May to June period. On a 1-month basis the major upward contributors to the monthly CPI were: recreation and culture (from games, toys and hobbies, mainly due to price rises in computer games and consoles); transport (mainly due to air transport where fares rose sharply on European and long haul routes); and miscellaneous goods and services (from insurance, particularly transport insurance where average premiums rose by 5.7%, a record for a May to June period. On a 1-month basis the largest downward contributor to the CPI was clothing and footwear where prices, overall, fell by 2.1%, a record for a May to June period. Next release is scheduled for August 17, 2010.

Japanese CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of May 2010

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Japanese economy came in at 99.7 for the month of May 2010. The inflation rate year over year was -0.8946% (compared to -1.1905% for the previous month). Inflation from April 2010 to May 2010 was 0.1004%. For the month of May, 9 out of the 10 major group indices saw a decrease in prices over the past 12 months. The decrease in the CPI was largely due to Education (down 13% over the past 12 months) and Furniture and household utensils (decrease of 4.7% for the past 12 months). Large downward trends year over year were also seen in Clothes and footwear (-1.8%) and in Reading and recreation (down 1.7% from May 2009). The remaining indices that also applied small amounts of downward pressure to the CPI on an annual basis were Food (-0.9%), Fuel, light and water charges (down 0.5% from May 2009). Miscellaneous (-0.4%), Housing (-0.4%), and Medical care (-0.3%). The only upward contributor to the CPI over 12 months was Transportation and communication (+2.4% from May 2009 to May 2010). On a month to month basis from April 2010 to May 2010, downward pressure in prices came from Furniture and household utensils (-0.3%), Food (-0.1%), Housing (-0.1%), Miscellaneous (-0.1%), Medical care (-0.1%). Upward contributors to the CPI on a month to month basis were: Fuel, light and water charges (+0.9%), Transportation and communication (+0.7%), Clothes and footwear (+0.6%), Education (+0.1%), Reading and recreation (+0.1%). For the past 12 months, the General index, excluding food and energy has decreased by 1.6% (the General index includes the ten major group indices). Over the same period the Goods index has decreased 0.7% and the Services index has decreased by 1.3%. Next release is scheduled for July 30, 2010.

Canadian CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of May 2010

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Canadian economy came in at 116.3 for the month of May 2010. The inflation rate year over year was 1.3949% (compared to 1.8437% for the previous month). Inflation from April 2010 to May 2010 was 0.2586%. The increase in the CPI was largely due to energy prices which increased by 6.2% for the 12 months up to May 2010 (compared to +9.8% for April 2009 to April 2010). Gasoline prices increased 6.9% over the 12-months to May 2010 (compared to a 16.3% rise in April 2010 over a 12-month period). Prices for natural gas were 4.7% higher in May than they were a year earlier. This followed a 3.3% increase in the 12 months to April, and it was the second consecutive 12-month increase in natural gas prices. Prices for fuel oil and other fuels rose 19.9% in May and there was also upward price pressure for the purchase of passenger vehicles for the fifth consecutive month (+5.1% in May and +5.3% in April). 6 of the 8 major components contributed to price increases from May 2009 to May 2010. Transportation increased 4.1% over May 2009 (+6.2% in 12-months up to April 2010). Insurance premiums were also 5.1% higher for passenger vehicles compared to May 2009. The shelter index rose by 1.3% (+0.8% in April) due to increases in household utilities and homeowner's replacement costs (+4.4 year over year). Offsetting this increase was the mortgage interest cost index (measures the change in interest portion of payments on outstanding mortgage debt) which decreased 5.4% in May, following a 6.1% decrease in April. Food prices increased by 0.8% over the 12-month period to May (compared to 1% last month). Large contributors to the increase in food prices came from food purchased from restaurants (+2.2%), sugar and confectionery and tomatoes. Downward pressure came from a drop in prices for fresh fruit and potatoes. Household operations, furnishings and equipment (+0.9% compared to 1.1% last month) where increases came from telephone services and child care. Health and personal care prices increased by 2.2% over last May (3.3% in April 2010). The only components that contributed to downward pressure on the CPI were: Recreation, education and reading which decreased by 0.2% for the 12-months to May (compared to +0.5% last month). This is the first decline since November 2008. Prices for video equipment and computer equipment and supplies fell but consumers paid more for cablevision and satellite services. The other decrease came from Clothing and footwear where prices declined 1.3% over the 12 months to May. The main contributors being women's and children' clothing and to some extent women's footwear. Next release is scheduled for July 23, 2010.

USA CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of May 2010

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 8:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United States economy came in at 218.178 for the month of May 2010. The inflation rate year over year was 2.0210% (compared to 2.2364% for the previous month). Inflation from April 2010 to May 2010 was 0.0775%. Over the last 12 months, the food index has risen 0.7% with the index for food away from home up 1.1% and the food at home index up 0.7%. The food index was unchanged over last month (compared to +0.2% in April). The food at home index was unchanged over last month and the food away from home index rose 0.1% (was unchanged last month). Within the food at home group, declines in the indexes for fruits and vegetables and for non-alcoholic beverages offset increases in the other major grocery store food group indexes. The energy index has risen 14.7% for the 12 months leading to May 2010 which includes a 27% increase in the gasoline index. Over last month the energy index decreased by 5.2% (-2.4% in April). Further downward pressure came from the index for household energy which decreased 0.6% in March (-0.4% in April). The fuel oil index dropped 1.4% (+2.3% in April), along with index for natural gas which declined 1.0% (+4.4% last month) and the electricity index which decreased by 0.4%. The index for all items less food and energy increased 0.9% over the 12 months up to May. The shelter index increased by 0.1% (first increase since August 2009) and the indexes for both rent and owners' equivalent rent were unchanged in May. The index for new vehicles rose 0.1%. Increases came from: airline fares (+1.9%), medical care (+0.1%), used cars and trucks (+0.6%), apparel (+0.2%), tobacco (+1.3%). The recreation index and the index for household furnishings and operations were both unchanged in May. Next release is scheduled for July 16, 2010.

UK CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of May 2010

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 4:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United Kingdom economy came in at 114.4 for the month of May 2010. The inflation rate year over year was 3.3424% (compared to 3.7239% for the previous month). Inflation from April 2010 to May 2010 was 0.1751%. The only upward pressure on the annual CPI rate change came from housing and household services where prices, overall, rose this year but fell a year ago. Specifically, the main contributor to the annual increase was electricity where average bills were unchanged between April and May this year but fell by 2.2% between the same two months a year ago. There was also a small increase in actual rents for housing. The largest downward contributor to the CPI came from food and non-alcoholic beverages where prices fell slightly between April and May but rose between the same two months a year ago. The largest contributors to the increase in this group came from meat, particularly pork products, and fruit, particularly grapes; with smaller downward effect from vegetables. Downward pressure also came from the transport group where prices of fuels and lubricants rose by 0.3% between April and May this year compared with a rise of 2.4% a year ago. Within Transport there were also smaller decreases from the purchase of new cars and passenger transport by road. Other downward contributors included: alcoholic beverages and tobacco where prices fell slightly this year but rose a year ago, mainly reflecting the increase in excise duty from last year’s budget; recreation and culture, where price decreases came from package holidays, equipment for the reception and reproduction of sound and pictures, recording media, and games, toys and hobbies, particularly computer games with small upward effects from books where prices of nonfiction books rose this year but fell a year ago. Next release is scheduled for July 13, 2010.

Japanese CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of April 2010

Fri, 28 May 2010 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Japanese economy came in at 99.6 for the month of April 2010. The inflation rate year over year was -1.1905% (compared to -1.0924% for the previous month). Inflation from March 2010 to April 2010 was 0.0000%. For the month of April, 9 out of the 10 major group indices saw a decrease in prices over the past 12 months. The decrease in the CPI was largely due to Education (down 13% over the past 12 months), Furniture and household utensils (decrease of 4.8% for the past 12 months) and Fuel, light and water charges (down 4.1% from April 2009). Large downward trends year over year were also seen in Reading and recreation (down 1.8% from April 2009) and in Clothes and footwear (-1.7%). The remaining indices that also applied small amounts of downward pressure to the CPI on an annual basis were Food (-0.7%), Miscellaneous (-0.4%), Housing (-0.3%), and Medical care (-0.1%). The only upward contributor to the CPI over 12 months was Transportation and communication (+1.9% from April 2009 to April 2010). On a month to month basis from March 2010 to April 2010, downward pressure in prices came from the Education index (-13.2% over last month). The largest increase over last month came from Clothes and footwear (+3.7%). For the past 12 months, the General index, excluding food and energy has decreased by 1.6% (the General index includes the ten major group indices). Over the same period the Goods index has decreased 1.1% and the Services index has decreased by 1.2%. Next release is scheduled for June 25, 2010.

Canadian CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of April 2010

Fri, 21 May 2010 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Canadian economy came in at 116 for the month of April 2010. The inflation rate year over year was 1.8437% (compared to 1.4035% for the previous month). Inflation from March 2010 to April 2010 was 0.3460%. The increase in the CPI was largely due to gasoline prices which increased 16.3% over the 12-months to April 2010 (compared to a 17.2% rise in March 2010 over a 12-month period). Prices for natural gas were 3.3% higher in April than they were a year earlier. This followed a 22.4% decline in the 12 months to March, and it was the first 12-month increase in natural gas prices in over a year. There was also upward price pressure for the purchase of passenger vehicles (+5.3% in April and +3.9% in March). Other major components that contributed to price increases for April were Transportation which increased 6.2% over April 2009 (+6% in 12-months up to March 2010). Insurance premiums were also 5.6% higher for passenger vehicles compared to April 2009. The shelter index rose by 0.8% (-0.7% in March) due to increases in household utilities, property taxes, and homeowner's replacement costs. Offsetting this increase was the mortgage interest cost index (measures the change in interest portion of payments on outstanding mortgage debt) which decreased 6.1% in April, following a 6.0% decrease in March. Food prices increased by 1% over the 12-month period to April (compared to 1.3% last month). Large contributors to the increase in food prices came from food purchased from restaurants (+2.3%), sugar and confectionery and tomatoes. Downward pressure came from a drop in prices for fresh fruit, meat, and bakery and cereal products. Household operations and furnishings (+1.1% compared to 1.4% last month) where increases came from communications, other household goods and services, and child care and domestic services. Health and personal care prices increased by 3.3% over last April (2.7% in March 2010). Recreation, education and reading rose 0.5% for the 12-months to April (compared to 0.7% last month). Clothing and footwear prices declined 1.1% over the 12 months to April, the main contributors being women's, children's, and men's clothing and to some extent women's and men's footwear. Next release is scheduled for June 22, 2010.

USA CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of April 2010

Wed, 19 May 2010 8:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United States economy came in at 218.009 for the month of April 2010. The inflation rate year over year was 2.2364% (compared to 2.3140% for the previous month). Inflation from March 2010 to April 2010 was 0.1737%. Over the last 12 months, the food index has risen 0.5% with the index for food away from home up 1.1% and the food at home index unchanged. The food index is up 0.2% since last month (compared to +0.2% in March). The food at home index increased was unchanged over last month and the food away from home index rose 0.1% (was unchanged last month). The April increase in the food index was due to an increase in the index for meats, poultry, fish and eggs, which rose 1.4% in April and has now increased four months in a row. The energy index has risen 18.5% for the 12 months leading to April 2010. Over last month the energy index decreased by 1.4% (unchanged in March). The gasoline index decreased 2.4% (-0.8% last month and -38.3% over last 12 months). Further downward pressure came from the index for household energy which decreased 0.4% in April (+1.3% in March). The fuel oil index rose 2.3% (+0.7% in March), but the index for natural gas declined 4.4% (-0.7% last month). The index for all items less food and energy increased 0.9% over the 12 months up to April. The shelter index and its major components of rent and owners' equivalent rent were all unchanged in April. The index for new vehicles was also unchanged. Increases came from: airline fares (+2.2%), recreation (+0.3%), medical care (+0.2%), used cars and trucks (+0.2%). Downward pressure on prices was seen from: apparel (-0.7%), household furnishings and operations (-0.5%). Next release is scheduled for June 17, 2010.

UK CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of April 2010

Tue, 18 May 2010 4:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United Kingdom economy came in at 114.2 for the month of April 2010. The inflation rate year over year was 3.7239% (compared to 3.3698% for the previous month). Inflation from March 2010 to April 2010 was 0.6167%. The largest upward pressure on the annual CPI rate change came from clothing and footwear (specifically women's clothing under the garments category). Other large contributors to upward pressure on the CPI came from food and non-alcoholic beverages where food was the significant mover (upward effects were varied and came from price changes in: meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, sugar, jam, syrups, chocolate and confectionery and food products not elsewhere covered); alcoholic beverages and tobacco with the largest upward effect coming from tobacco where prices rose by 2.5% this year but were unchanged a year ago. Alcoholic beverages also applied upward pressure with prices rising 1.7% this year (beer, spirits, and wine). The increases in excise duty that came into force towards the end of March 2010 contributed to the price rises in both tobacco and alcohol in April 2010; miscellaneous goods and services rose 0.8% (upward effects came from appliances and products for personal care, transport insurance and financial services); restaurants and hotels (upward effects from both restaurants and cafes and accommodation services); There was also a small increase in the communication index which rose by 2.9% this year. On a relative basis this is a record increase for communication with the largest effects coming from mobile and cable telephones. The largest downward contributor to the CPI came from furniture, household equipment and maintenance (downward effects from furniture and furnishings and non-durable household goods) which was partially offset by upward price pressure from carpets and other floor coverings. Other small downward contributions came from: recreation and culture (recording media where the price of DVDs bought over the internet fell sharply this year) partially offset by upward effects from books; transport with the largest downward contributor being the purchase of vehicles which was partially offset by a large upward contribution from fuels and lubricants. Within fuels and lubricants the prices for both petrol and diesel rose by more than a year ago; health where, overall prices fell by less than a year ago with downward effects from pharmaceutical products and hospital services. Next release is scheduled for June 15, 2010.

Japanese CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of March 2010

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Japanese economy came in at 99.6 for the month of March 2010. The inflation rate year over year was -1.0924% (compared to -1.0956% for the previous month). Inflation from February 2010 to March 2010 was 0.3021% For the month of March, 8 out of the 10 major group indices saw a decrease in prices over the past 12 months. The decrease in the CPI was largely due to Furniture and household utensils (decrease of 5.3% for the past 12 months) and Fuel, light and water charges (down 4.2% from March 2009) and Reading and recreation (down 2.7% from March 2009). Large downward trends year over year were also seen in Food (-1.6%), Clothes and footwear (-1.3%), and Medical care (-1.1%). The remaining indices that also applied downward pressure to the CPI on an annual basis were Miscellaneous (-0.3%) and Housing (-0.3%). Upward contributors were Transportation and communication (+1.5% from March 2009 to March 2010) and Education (+0.8%). On a month to month basis from February 2010 to March 2010 the only downward trend in prices came from Furniture and household utensils (-0.6%) and Housing (-0.1%). The largest increase over last month came from Clothes and footwear (+3.5%). For the past 12 months, the General index, excluding food and energy has decreased by 1.1% (the General index includes the ten major group indices). Over the same period the Goods index has decreased 1.9% and the Services index has decreased by 0.5%. Next release is scheduled for May 28, 2010.

Australian CPI and Inflation Rate for the quarter ended March 2010

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 19:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Australian economy came in at 171 for the quarter ending March 2010. The inflation rate year over year was 2.8881% (compared to 2.1084% for the previous quarter). Inflation from December 2009 to March 2010 was 0.8850%. The most significant price increases this quarter were for automotive fuel (+4.2%), pharmaceuticals (+13.3%), deposit and loan facilities (+3.4%), vegetables (+10.3%), electricity (+5.9%), house purchase (+1.2%) and hospital and medical services (+2.9%). The most significant price decreases were for furniture (–4.6%), fruit (–5.7%), domestic holiday travel and accommodation (–2.3%), audio, visual and computing equipment (–5.9%), men's outerwear (–6.7%) and children's and infants' clothing (–9.9%). The food index increased 1.1% (Compared to +1.4% last period) - the largest upward effects came from vegetables (+10.3%), soft drinks, waters and juices (+3.5%), and take away and fast foods (+0.7%). Year-over-year the food group is up 0.7%, primarily from increases in take away and fast foods (+2.9%), restaurant meals (+2.9%), soft drinks, waters and juices (+3.1%) and snacks and confectionery (+1.7%). Fruit (–4.6%) and milk (–3.2%). The housing group increased 1.5% (+0.8% last period) - main contributors were electricity (+5.9%), house purchase (+1.2%), rents (+1.0%) and gas and other household fuels (+3.6%). Year-over-year the housing group rose 6.1% mainly due to electricity (+18.2%), house purchase (+4.1%), rents (+4.6%) and water and sewerage (+14.0%). The recreation index decreased 1.0% (+1.5% last period) - mainly due to domestic holiday travel and accommodation (–2.3%), audio, visual and computing equipment (–5.9%) and audio, visual and computing media and services (–1.3%). Year-over-year the recreation group rose 1.2% mainly due to domestic holiday travel and accommodation (+5.2%), pets, pet foods and supplies (+13.5%), other recreational activities (+4.1%) and sports participation (+3.8%). Transportation Index rose 1.3% (-0.8% last period) - main contributor were rises in the price of automotive fuel (+4.2%). Urban transport fares (+3.2%), other motoring charges (+0.8%) and motor vehicle repair and servicing (+0.1%) also recorded increases. Motor vehicles (–0.6%) recorded the main offset. Year-over-year the transportation index rose 4.1%, with the main contributor being automotive fuel (+9.1%). Other motoring charges (+6.2%), motor vehicle repair and servicing (+2.2%), urban transport fares (+4.2%), motor vehicle parts and accessories (+2.1%) and motor vehicles (+0.4%) also rose. The Financial and insurance services index rose +2.0% (0.7% last period) - primary contributors were deposit and loan facilities (+3.4%), insurance services (+1.6%) and other financial services (+0.8%). Year-over-year the financial and insurance services group has increased 2.0%, led by a rise in insurance services (+7.1%) and deposit and loan facilities (+1.9%). This was partially offset by a fall for other financial services (–0.3%). The health index increased 4.7% (-0.9% last period) - increases came from pharmaceuticals (+13.3%), with smaller contributions from hospital and medical services (+2.9%) and dental services (+1.6%). Year-over-year the health group rose 5.1% with increases in hospital and medical services (+6.5%), dental services (+3.9%) and pharmaceuticals (+1.9%). The alcohol and tobacco group increased 1.3% (+0.5% last period) - tobacco (+2.1%), beer (+1.2%) and spirits (+0.6%) partially due to the effects of the federal excise tax increase from 1 February 2010. Year-over-year the alcohol and tobacco group rose 3.5%. The clothing and footwear decreased 4.3% (+0.2% last period) - due to decreases in men's outerwear (–6.7%), children's and infants' clothing (–9.9%) and women's outerwear (–3.7%), which were impacted by post Christmas sales. In addition, the general rate of customs duty on textile, clothing and footwear imports was cut from 17.5% to 10.0% on 1 January 2010. Year-over-year the clothing and footwear index dropped 1.8% mainly due to women's outerwear (–4.4%), men's outerwear (–3.7%) and children's and infants' clothing (–4.9%). Women's underwear, nightwear and hosiery (+5.1%) recorded the largest offset. The education group index increased by 5.6% (+0.1 last period)- A new school year saw rises in tertiary education (+5.9%), secondary education (+5.7%) and preschool and primary education (+4.5%). Year-over-year the education group has risen 5.7%. The household contents and services index decreased 1.3% (flat last period) - contributors were furniture (–4.6%), glassware, tableware and household utensils (–6.7%) and towels and linen (–7.0%). Household cleaning agents (+3.3%) and child care (+3.0%) provided the largest offsets. Year-over-year the household contents and services group rose 1.4%, major contributors were rises in other household supplies (+2.0%) and other household services (+3.9%). Next release is scheduled for July 28, 2010.

Canadian CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of March 2010

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Canadian economy came in at 115.6 for the month of March 2010. The inflation rate year over year was 1.4035% (compared to 1.5817% for the previous month). Inflation from February 2010 to March 2010 was 0.0000%. The increase in the CPI was largely due to gasoline prices which increased 17.2% over the 12-months to March 2010 (compared to a 15.3% rise in February 2010 over a 12-month period). Energy prices increased by 5.8% from March 2009 to March 2010 (compared to an increase of 4% last month). The major components that contributed to price increases for March were Transportation which increased 6% over March 2009 (+5.9% in 12-months up to February 2010). Purchase of passenger vehicles exerted upward pressure (+3.9% in March, +3.5% in February 2010). Food prices increased by 1.3% over the 12-month period to March (compared to 1.2% last month). Large contributors to the increase in food prices came from food purchased from restaurants (+2.6%), sugar and confectionery and non-alcoholic beverages. Downward pressure came from a drop in prices for fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, and meat. Household operations and furnishings (+1.4% compared to 1.8% last month) where increases came from communications, other household goods and services, and child care and domestic services. Health and personal care prices increased by 2.7% over last March (3.1% in February 2010). Prices for health care services increased 4.5%, while prices for personal care supplies and equipment rose 3.1%. Recreation, education and reading rose 0.7% for the 12-months to March (compared to 3% last month) mainly due to tuition and cablevision and satellite services. Downward pressure on the CPI came from the Shelter index which decreased 0.7% from March 2009 to March 2010 (-1.1% YoY last month). The decline is largely due to the decline in natural gas prices and a decrease in mortgage interest cost; Mortgage interest cost index was down 6% in March (5.8% drop in February) - it measures the change in interest portion of payments on outstanding mortgage debt. Clothing and footwear prices declined 2.2% over the 12 months to March, the main contributors being women's clothing and women's footwear and to some extent men's clothing and children's clothing. Next release is scheduled for May 21, 2010.

UK CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of March 2010

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 4:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United Kingdom economy came in at 113.5 for the month of March 2010. The inflation rate year over year was 3.3698% (compared to 3.0109% for the previous month). Inflation from February 2010 to March 2010 was 0.5314%. The largest upward pressure on the annual CPI rate change came from housing and household services mainly due to domestic gas prices and a small effect from liquid fuels with domestic heating oil rising in price this year but falling a year ago. Another large contributor to upward pressure on the CPI came from transport, specifically from fuels and lubricants which increased 2.7% from February to March (+0.7% for same period last year). Air transport was also a larger contributor mainly because of fares on European long-haul routes. Small downward effects came from second-hand cars. Other upward contributors were: food and non-alcoholic beverages (vegetable prices increased, and downward pressure from mineral waters, soft drinks and juices); clothing and footwear (due to women's outerwear); recreation and culture (due to books and recording media, particularly pre-recorded DVD -- downward pressure from equipment for the reception and reproduction of sound and pictures); restaurants and hotels; alcoholic beverages and tobacco (main effect came from wines, particularly white wine). Downward pressure on CPI came from furniture, household equipment and maintenance. This was mainly due to furniture and furnishings, household textiles, and major appliances and small electric goods partially offset by a small upward effect from non-durable household goods, notably cleaning products. Next release is scheduled for May 18, 2010.

USA CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of March 2010

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 8:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United States economy came in at 217.631 for the month of March 2010. The inflation rate year over year was 2.3140% (compared to 2.1433% for the previous month). Inflation from February 2010 to March 2010 was 0.4106%. Over the last 12 months, the food index has risen 0.2% with the food at home index down 0.7%. The food index is up 0.2% since last month (compared to +0.1% in February). The food at home index increased by 0.5% over last month and for the first time since January 2003 there was no increase in the food away from home index which was unchanged over last month. The index for fruits and vegetables rose 3.4% due to the sharp rise in the fresh fruits and vegetables index. The index for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs rose 0.2%. The energy index has risen 18.3% for the 12 months leading to March 2010. Over last month the energy index was unchanged. The gasoline index decreased 0.8% while upward pressure came from the index for household energy which increased 1.3% in March mostly because of a 2.1% rise in the electricity index. The fuel oil index rose 0.7%, but the index for natural gas declined 0.7%. The index for all items less food and energy increased 1.1% over the 12 months up to March (smallest increase since January 2004). Increases came from: medical care (+0.3%), hospital services (+1.1), used cars and trucks continued (+0.5%), and new vehicles (+0.1%). Downward pressure on prices was seen from the shelter index (-0.1% due to a 0.1% decline in owners' equivalent rent), household furnishings and operations (-0.4%; the ninth decline in the past 10 months), apparel (-0.4%), and the recreation index declined (-0.1%). Next release is scheduled for May 19, 2010.

Japanese CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of February 2010

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Japanese economy came in at 99.3 for the month of February 2010. The inflation rate year over year was -1.0956% (compared to -1.2910% for the previous month). Inflation from January 2010 to February 2010 was -0.1006%. For the month of February, 8 out of the 10 major group indices saw a decrease in prices over the past 12 months. The decrease in the CPI was largely due to Furniture and household utensils (decrease of 5.3% for the past 12 months) and Fuel, light and water charges (down 5.0% from February 2009) and Reading and recreation (down 2.6% from February 2009). Large downward trends year over year were also seen in Food (-1.4%), Clothes and footwear (-1.0%), and Medical care (-1.0%). The remaining indices that also applied downward pressure to the CPI on an annual basis were Miscellaneous (-0.6%) and Housing (-0.2%). Upward contributors were Transportation and communication (+1.7% from February 2009 to February 2010) and Education (+0.6%). On a month to month basis from January 2010 to February 2010 the largest downward trend in prices came from Clothes and footwear (-1.5%) and Food (-0.4%). The largest increase over last month came from Fuel, light and water charges (+0.8%). For the past 12 months, the General index, excluding food and energy has decreased by 1.1% (the General index includes the ten major group indices). Over the same period the Goods index has decreased 1.9% and the Services index has decreased by 0.4%. Next release is scheduled for April 30, 2010.

UK CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of February 2010

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 4:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United Kingdom economy came in at 112.9 for the month of February 2010. The inflation rate year over year was 3.0109% (compared to 3.4039% for the previous month). Inflation from January 2010 to February 2010 was 0.4448%. The largest downward pressure on the annual CPI rate change came from Recreation and culture where prices were largely unchanged between January and February this year but rose by 1.1% a year ago. The largest downward contributors to this group were games, toys and hobbies and computer games and pre-school activity toys. Housing and household services also contributed downward pressure mainly due to a reduction in average gas bills this year compared with no change a year ago. Decreases were also seen in Furniture, household equipment and maintenance (largest effects coming from major appliances and small electrical goods, and non-durable household goods such as household cleaning cream); Alcoholic beverages and tobacco (mainly due to wine as prices fell this year by 1.9% compared with a rise of 3.0% a year ago); Food and non-alcoholic beverages (largest effects from Food with decreases in bread and cereals and vegetables partially offset by a small upward contribution from fruit); Transport (downward pressure from fuels and lubricants where prices rose by 0.8% between January and February this year compared with a rise of 3.3% a year ago); Miscellaneous goods and services (overall prices largely unchanged this year but rose a year ago and downward pressure from appliances and products for personal care). The largest upward pressure on the annual CPI rate change came from Clothing and footwear (mainly due to women’s outerwear where, overall, prices rose by more than a year ago). Smaller upward effects came from: Restaurants and hotels (specific increases in accommodation services where, overall, prices rose this year but fell a year ago, particularly for hotel accommodation. Next release is scheduled for April 20, 2010.

Canadian CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of February 2010

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Canadian economy came in at 115.6 for the month of February 2010. The inflation rate year over year was 1.5817% (compared to 1.8584% for the previous month). Inflation from January 2010 to February 2010 was 0.4344%. The increase in the CPI was largely due to gasoline prices which increased 15.3% over the 12-months to February 2010 (compared to a 23.9% rise in January 2010 over a 12-month period). Energy prices increased by 4% from February 2009 to February 2010 (compared to an increase of 8.2% last month). The major components that contributed to price increases for February were Transportation which increased 5.9% since February 2009 (+7.7% in 12-months up to January 2010). Purchase of passenger vehicles exerted upward pressure (+3.5% in January, +3.1% in January 2010) after a long duration in which it applied downward pressure on the CPI. Recreation, education and reading rose 3% for the 12-months to February(compared to 1.4% last month) mainly due to traveller accommodation, cablevision and satellite services, and the purchase and operation of recreational vehicles partially offset by decreases in the prices for home entertainment equipment, parts and services and computer equipment and supplies; Food prices increased by 1.2% over the 12-month period to February (compared to 1.4% last month). Large contributors to the increase in food prices came from food purchased from restaurants (+2.6%) and dairy products and eggs (+1.4%). Downward pressure came from a drop in prices for fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, and meat. Household operations and furnishings (+1.8% compared to 2.1% last month) where increases came from communications, other household goods and services, and child care and domestic services and downward pressure came primarily from prices for furniture and household textiles and household appliances. Health and personal care prices increased by 3.1% over last February (3.1% in January 2010). Downward pressure on the CPI came from the Shelter index which decreased 1.1% from February 2009 to February 2010 (-1.1% YoY last month). The decline is largely due to the decline in natural gas prices and a decrease in mortgage interest cost; Mortgage interest cost index was down 5.8% in February (5.5% drop in January) - it measures the change in interest portion of payments on outstanding mortgage debt; Partially offsetting the decline in the shelter component were increases in rent, cost of homeowners' maintenance and repairs, and fuel oil and other fuels. Clothing and footwear prices declined 2.6% over the 12 months to February, the main contributors being women's and men's clothing and to a smaller extent children's clothing. Next release is scheduled for April 23, 2010.

USA CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of February 2010

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 8:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United States economy came in at 216.741 for the month of February 2010. The inflation rate year over year was 2.1433% (compared to 2.6257% for the previous month). Inflation from January 2010 to February 2010 was 0.0249%. The energy index has risen 14.4% for the 12 months leading to February 2010. The major contributor of the increase in the energy index was the gasoline index (+36.8% over the last 12 months) partially offset by decreases the index for household energy which is down 3.0%. Over the last 12 months, the food index has declined 0.2% with the food at home index down 1.5% and the index for food away from home up 1.4%. For the month of February the food index is up 0.1% since last month. The food at home index and the food away index both increased 0.1% for February. The index for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs had the largest increase among major grocery store food groups, rising 0.4% as the indexes for pork and for eggs both rose 2.6%. The decreases over the last month came from fruits and vegetables and dairy and related products which both decreased 0.1% in February. The index for all items less food and energy increased 1.3% over the 12 months up to February (+1.6% last month) which is the lowest since February 2004. Increases over the last 12 months came from: new vehicles (+3.5% compared to +4.1% last month); used cars and trucks (+14.1% compared to +11.5% last month); the medical care index (up 3.5% in February compared to 3.5% in January); Transportation services (+3.3%); Medical Care Services (+3.7%). The apparel index (unchanged compared to +1.7% last month). Downward pressure came from the shelter index which decreased 0.4% over the last 12 months. Next release is scheduled for April 14, 2010.

Japanese CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of January 2010

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Japanese economy came in at 99.4 for the month of January 2010. The inflation rate year over year was -1.2910% (compared to -1.6782% for the previous month). Inflation from December 2009 to January 2010 was -0.2008%. For the month of January, 8 out of the 10 major group indices saw a decrease in prices over the past 12 months. The decrease in the CPI was largely due to Fuel, light and water charges (down 5.8% from January 2009) and Furniture and household utensils (decrease of 5.5% for the past 12 months) and Reading and recreation (down 3.1% from January 2009). Large downward trends year over year were also seen in Food (-1.9%), Clothes and footwear (-1.4%), and Medical care (-1.1%). The remaining indices that also applied downward pressure to the CPI on an annual basis were Miscellaneous (-0.5%) and Housing (-0..%). Upward contributors were Transportation and communication (+1.9% from January 2009 to January 2010) and Education (+0.8%). From December 2009 to January 2010 (month-to-month basis) the largest downward trend in prices came from Clothes and footwear (-7.6%) and Reading and recreation (-1.4%). The largest increase over last month came from Food (+1.0%). For the past 12 months, the General index, excluding food and energy has decreased by 1.2% (the General index includes the ten major group indices). Over the same period the Goods index has decreased 2.3% and the Services index has decreased by 0.5%. Next release is scheduled for March 26, 2010.

USA CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of January 2010

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 8:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United States economy came in at 216.687 for the month of January 2010. The inflation rate year over year was 2.6257% (compared to 2.7213% for the previous month). Inflation from December 2009 to January 2010 was 0.3417%. The relatively large rise in the CPI was mainly due to the increase in the energy index (+19.1% for the 12 months up to January 2010). The major contributors of the energy index were the gasoline index (+51.3% over the last 12 months) and Fuel Oil index (+19.3%) which were partially offset by decreases in the natural gas index (-12.1%) and the electricity index (-1.9%); the index for household energy decreased 3.5%. Over the last 12 months, the food index has declined 0.4% with the food at home index down 2.0% and the index for food away from home up 1.6%. For the month of January the food index is up 0.2% since last month. The food at home index increased 0.4% for January and out of the six major components, four increased over the last month: dairy and related products (+2.1%); fruits and vegetables (+1.3%); meats, poultry, fish, and eggs (+0.4%); nonalcoholic beverages (+0.2%). The decreases over the last month came from: cereals and bakery products (-0.5%); other food at home (-0.3%). The index for all items less food and energy increased 1.6% over the 12 months up to January (+1.8% last month). Increases over the last 12 months came from: new vehicles (+4.1% compared to +4.9% last month); used cars and trucks (+11.5% compared to +9.2% last month); the apparel index (+1.7% compared to +1.9% last month); the medical care index (up 3.5% in January compared to 3.4% in December). Downward pressure came from the shelter index which decreased 0.1% over the last 12 months. Next release is scheduled for March 18, 2010.

Canadian CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of January 2010

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Canadian economy came in at 115.1 for the month of January 2010. The inflation rate year over year was 1.8584% (compared to 1.3239% for the previous month). Inflation from December 2009 to January 2010 was 0.2613%. The increase in the CPI was largely due to gasoline prices which increased 23.9% from January 2009 (compared to a 25.6% rise in December 2009 over a 12-month period). This is the third consecutive month in which gasoline prices contributed upward pressure on the CPI. Energy prices increased by 8.2% from January 2009 to January 2010 (compared to an increase of 5.9% last month). The major components that contributed to price increases for January were Transportation which increased 7.7% since January 2009 (+4.7% in 12-months up to December 2009). Purchase of passenger vehicles exerted upward pressure (+3.1% in January, -3.3% in December 2009) after a long duration in which it applied downward pressure on the CPI. January's increase in passenger vehicle prices was the first 12-month rise since June 2007. Food prices increased by 1.4% over the 12-month period to January (compared to 1.7% last month), the smallest rise since April 2008. Large contributors to the increase in food prices came from food purchased from restaurants (+2.6%), non-alcoholic beverages (+7.2%), and to a smaller extent from all other food preparations and sugar and confectionery; downward pressure came from fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, and meat. Household operations and furnishings (+2.1% compared to 1.9% last month); Recreation, education and reading rose 1.4% (compared to 1.6% last month) mainly due to tuition fees, cablevision and satellite services, partially offset by decreases in the prices for home entertainment equipment, parts and services and computer equipment and supplies; Health and personal care prices increased by 3.1% over last January (3.0% in December 2009). Downward pressure on the CPI came from the Shelter index which decreased 1.1% from January 2009 to January 2010 (-1.7% YoY last month). The decline is largely due to the decline in natural gas prices and a decrease in mortgage interest cost; Mortgage interest cost index was down 5.5% in January (4.9% drop in December) - it measures the change in interest portion of payments on outstanding mortgage debt; Partially offsetting the decline in the shelter component was property taxes increased by 4.3% in January (same in December) and rent (+1.4%). Clothing and footwear prices declined 1.9% over the 12 months to January, the main contributors being women's clothing (-6.8%) and children's clothing (-4.8%). Next release is scheduled for March 19, 2010.

UK CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of January 2010

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 4:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United Kingdom economy came in at 112.4 for the month of January 2010. The inflation rate year over year was 3.4039% (compared to 2.8311% for the previous month). Inflation from December 2009 to January 2010 was -0.1776%. The CPI fell by 0.2% between December and January. This is the strongest ever CPI growth between these two months mainly due to the increase in January 2010 in the standard rate of Value Added Tax (VAT) to 17.5% from 15%. As stated earlier, the increase in the standard rate of Value Added Tax contributed greatly to larger than normal price rises (or smaller than usual falls). The VAT rate between December 2008 and January 2009 was stable at 15% and therefore the VAT rate by itself had no influence on the price movement between these two months last year. Beyond these events, the largest upward pressure on the annual CPI rate change came from transport. Specifically, fuels and lubricants where prices rose by 2.2% between December and January this year compared with a fall of 3.4% a year ago. Also within the transport index, upward contributions in the CPI came from maintenance and repairs where prices rose across all types of services this year (largely due to the increase in the standard rate of VAT) but fell a year ago; and the purchase of new and second hand cars where, overall, prices rose this year but fell a year ago. Partially offsetting these increases in transport was a large downward contribution from air transport where, overall, fares fell by more than a year ago, particularly on long haul routes and a small downward contribution from sea transport where fares on international routes fell this year but rose a year ago. Upward pressure was also seen from recreation and culture (recording media was a significant factor - specifically purchase of DVD films); alcohol, beverages and tobacco, driven by tobacco where, overall, prices rose this year by 3.4%, which is a record rate of growth for a December to January period; housing and household services where the price of heating oil rose sharply this year but fell a year ago. The 20.2% increase in price between December and January this year is the second largest monthly increase on record for heating oil; restaurants and hotels driven by restaurants and cafes; food and non-alcoholic beverages driven by the food component (upward effects from vegetables and bread and cereals partially offset by a small downward contribution from fruit). The only large downward contribution to the CPI annual rate came from clothing and footwear, specifically from garments where, overall, prices fell by more than a year ago across a range of clothing items, particularly women's outerwear. There was also a small downward contribution from furniture, household equipment and maintenance where, overall, prices fell by more than a year ago. Next release is scheduled for March 23, 2010.

Japanese CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of December 2009

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Japanese economy came in at 99.6 for the month of December 2009. The inflation rate year over year was -1.6782% (compared to -1.8682% for the previous month). Inflation from November 2009 to December 2009 was -0.2004%. For the month of December, 8 out of the 10 major group indices saw a decrease in prices over the past 12 months. The decrease in the CPI was largely due to Fuel, light and water charges (down 4.9% from December 2008) and Furniture and household utensils (decrease of 4.8% for the past 12 months) and Reading and recreation (down 3.3% from December 2008). Large downward trends year over year were also seen in Food (-2.5%), Clothes and footwear (-1.9%). The remaining indices that also applied downward pressure to the CPI on an annual basis were Miscellaneous (-0.5%); Medical care (-0.5%); Housing (-0.4%). Upward contributors were Transportation and communication (+0.5% from December 2008 to December 2009) and Education (+0.8%). From November 2009 to December 2009 (month-to-month basis) the largest downward trend in prices came from Furniture and household utensils (-0.9%), and Clothes and footwear (-0.7%). The largest increase over last month came from Fuel, light and water charges (+0.5%). For the past 12 months, the General index, excluding food and energy has decreased by 1.2% (the General index includes the ten major group indices). Over the same period the Goods index has decreased 2.7% and the Services index has decreased by 0.4%. Next release is scheduled for February 26, 2010.

Australian CPI and Inflation Rate for the quarter ended December 2009

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Australian economy came in at 169.5 for the quarter ending December 2009. The inflation rate year over year was 2.1084% (compared to 1.2613% for the previous quarter). Inflation from September 2009 to December 2009 was 0.5338%. The most significant price increases this quarter were for fruit (+15.9%), domestic holiday travel and accommodation (+6.6%), house purchase (+1.0%), rents (+1.0%) and beer (+2.1%). The most significant price decreases were for automotive fuel (–2.8%), audio, visual and computing equipment (–7.1%) and pharmaceuticals (–5.3%). The food index increased 1.4% (Compared to -0.8% last period) - the largest upward effects came from fruit (+15.9%) [driven by adverse weather in some growing areas], vegetables (+2.0%), food n.e.c. (+2.6%) and restaurant meals (+0.9%). Bacon and ham (–6.2%) were the largest offsetting items. Year-over-year 19 of the 26 food categories increased which pushed the food group up 1.9%, primarily from increases in take away and fast foods (+3.8%), restaurant meals (+3.2%), fruit (+4.6%), snacks and confectionery (+3.1%) and fish and other seafood (+5.9%) and partially offset by Vegetables (–4.9%) and milk (–4.8%). The housing group increased 0.8% (+2.9% last period) - main contributor was house purchase (+1.0%) and rents (+1.0%). Year-over-year the housing group rose 5.5% mainly due to rents (+5.4%), electricity (+15.7%), house purchase (+2.4%) and water and sewerage (+14.1%). The recreation index increased 1.5% (+0.7% last period) - mainly due to price rises for domestic holiday travel and accommodation (+6.6%), overseas holiday travel and accommodation (+2.3%) and pets, pet food and supplies (+3.1%). Largest downward pressure came from audio, visual and computing equipment (–7.1%). Year-over-year the recreation group rose 1.1% mainly due to other audio, visual and computing media and services (+6.7%) and pets, pet food and supplies (+12.7%); while Audio, visual and computing equipment (–12.4%) and overseas holiday travel and accommodation (–4.4%) placed downward pressure on the index. Transportation Index dropped 0.8% (+1.9% last period) - main contributor to drop was price of automotive fuel (–2.8%), motor vehicles also decreased (-0.3%). Increases were recorded in motor vehicle repair and servicing (+0.4%), other motoring charges (+0.6%) and urban transport fares (+0.2%). Year-over-year the transportation index rose 1.2%, with the main contributors being motor vehicles (+2.3%), motor vehicle repair and servicing (+3.3%), other motoring charges (+6.0%), motor vehicles parts and accessories (+5.4%) and urban transport fares (+4.4%); these increases were only offset by Automotive fuel (–3.8%). The Financial and insurance services index rose +0.7% (+0.9% last period) - primary contributors were other financial services (+1.2%) and insurance services (+1.3%). Year-over-year the financial and insurance services group has decreased 6.3%, led by a drop in the deposit and loan facilities (–15.4%) and other financial services (–0.5%) offset by insurance services (+8.4%). The health index decreased 0.9% (-1.0% last period) - pharmaceuticals (–5.3%) dropped while dental services increased by 0.8%. Year-over-year the health group rose 4.7% with increases in hospital and medical services (+5.9%), dental services (+4.2%) and pharmaceuticals (+1.6%). The alcohol and tobacco group increased 0.5% (+0.7% last period) - beer (+2.1%) and spirits (+0.8%) increased while and wine (0.0%) prices remained flat. Tobacco (-0.5%) provided a small offsetting fall. Year-over-year the alcohol and tobacco group rose 3.1%. The clothing and footwear increased 0.2% (+0.3% last period) - due to increases in men's outerwear (+1.1%), men's underwear, nightwear and socks (+1.2%), and clothing services and shoe repair (+2.1%). A large offsetting decrease was recorded in Children's footwear (–3.4%). Year-over-year the clothing and footwear index rose 2.1% mainly due to accessories (+5.6%) and women's underwear, nightwear and hosiery (+8.9%) while women's footwear dropped (-2.3%). The education group index increased by 0.1% (flat at 0% last period)- the only movement recorded this quarter was an increase in preschool and primary education (+0.4%). Year-over-year the education group has risen 5.6%. The household contents and services index was flat at 0% (+0.6% last period) - large upward contributors were furniture (+1.4%), tools (+1.3%) and hairdressing and personal care services (+0.9%). Downward effects came from major household appliances (–2.8%), glassware, tableware and household utensils (–1.3%) and toiletries and personal products (–0.6%). Year-over-year the household contents and services group rose 3.6%, major contributors were rises in furniture (+5.7%), other household supplies (+3.7%) and floor and window coverings (+4.3%). Next release is scheduled for April 28, 2010.

Canadian CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of December 2009

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Canadian economy came in at 114.8 for the month of December 2009. The inflation rate year over year was 1.3239% (compared to 0.9641% for the previous month). Inflation from November 2009 to December 2009 was -0.3472%. The increase in the CPI was largely due to gasoline prices which increased 25.6% from December 2008 (compared to a 14.1% rise in November 2009 over a 12-month period). Energy prices increased by 5.9% from December 2008 to December 2009 (compared to an increase of 1.3% last month). The major components that contributed to price increases for December were Transportation which increased 4.7% since December 2008 (+1.9% in November) but was partially offset by a decrease in passenger vehicles (-3.3% compared to last year); Food prices increased by 1.7% over the 12-month period (compared to 1.7% last month). Large contributors to the increase in food prices were eggs which rose 1.9% and non-alcoholic beverages which went up 4.8%. Other smaller upward contributors to food prices were food purchased from restaurants, sugar and confectionery, lettuce, and bakery and cereal products and downward pressure came from fresh fruit, pre-cooked frozen food preparations, and potatoes. Household operations and furnishings (+1.9% compared to 2.8% last month); Recreation, education and reading rose 1.6% (compared to 1.8% last month) mainly due to tuition fees, cablevision and satellite services, and the purchase and operation of recreational vehicles; Health and personal care prices increase by 3.0% over last December (3.2% in November 2009). Downward pressure on the CPI came from the Shelter index which decreased 1.7% from December 2008 to December 2009 (-1.7% YoY last month). The decline is largely due to a 31.2% decline in natural gas prices and a decrease in mortgage interest cost; Mortgage interest cost index was down 4.9% in December (4.0% drop in November) - it measures the change in interest portion of payments on outstanding mortgage debt; Homeowners' replacement cost declined 1.2%. Homeowners' maintenance and repairs cost increased by 3.3% in December (compared to 4.3% in November) and property taxes increased by 4.3% in December (same in November). Next release is scheduled for February 18, 2010.

UK CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of December 2009

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 4:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United Kingdom economy came in at 112.6 for the month of December 2009. The inflation rate year over year was 2.8311% (compared to 1.9108% for the previous month). Inflation from November 2009 to December 2009 was 0.5357%. The December 2009 annual CPI rate change was 2.9% compared to an annual CPI rate change of 1.9% for November 2008. This is the largest annual rate increase between two months. The events that contributed to this large difference took place in December 2008 which ultimately affected the rate change from that period to December 2009. December 2008 events: (i) The reduction in the standard rate of Value Added Tax (VAT) to 15% from 17.5%; (ii) sharp falls in the price of oil; (iii) pre-Christmas sales as a result of the economic downturn. Beyond these events, the largest upward pressure on the annual CPI rate change came from transport. Specifically, fuels and lubricants where prices rose by 0.2% between November and December this year compared with a fall of 6.2% a year ago (the second largest monthly fall on record). Also within the transport index, upward contributions in the CPI came from new cars since prices increased this year and fell a year ago (-2.1% from November to December 2008 because of VAT reduction) and air transport. Upward pressure was also seen from clothing and footwear (largest contributor from women's outerwear); recreation and culture (prices flat between November and December this year but fell by 0.9% a year ago). Within recreation and culture, increases came from the following (where overall prices increased this year but fell a year ago): Games toys and hobbies; Equipment for sport and open-air recreation; Garden plants and flowers; Newspapers, books and stationery; Audio-visual equipment and accessories. Other large increases that contributed to an increase in the CPI: Furniture, household equipment and maintenance; Miscellaneous goods and services; Housing and household services; Communication. Smaller increases came from: Food and non-alcoholic beverages; Restaurants and hotels. There were no significant downward contributions to the change in the CPI annual rate. Next release is scheduled for February 16, 2010.

USA CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of December 2009

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 8:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United States economy came in at 215.949 for the month of December 2009. The inflation rate year over year was 2.7213% (compared to 1.8383% for the previous month). Inflation from November 2009 to December 2009 was -0.1761%. The relatively larger rise in the CPI was mainly due to the increase in the energy index (+18.2% in 2009; -21.3% for 2008). The major contributors of the energy index: gasoline index (+53.5% in 2009 compared to -43.1% 2008); household energy index declined 4.9% for 2009 with the natural gas index decreasing 18.1% and the electricity index declining 0.5% during 2009. The food index saw it's first calendar year decline since 1961 as the index decreased 0.5% during 2009 (up 5.9% in 2008); food away from home index increased 1.9% and the food at home index dropped 2.4%. All of the six major components of the food at home index decreased during 2009 (dairy had the largest drop of 7.6% for 2009, the largest since 1938). The index for all items less food and energy increased 1.8% during 2009 (unchanged from 2008). Increases came from: new vehicles (+4.9% in 2009); used cars and trucks (+9.2%); the apparel index (+1.9% after declines in previous 2 years); the medical care index (up 3.4% in 2009 compared to 2.6% in 2008); tobacco index (+30.1% in 2009 compared to 6.3% in 2008). Downward pressure came from: the shelter index which increased by only 0.3% compared to 1.9% in 2008 (smallest annual increase since 1953) and indexes for both rent and owners' equivalent rent increased 0.7%; indexes recreation and for household furnishings and operations both declined in 2009 after rising in 2008. Next release is scheduled for February 19, 2010.

Japanese CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of November 2009

Fri, 25 Dec 2009 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Japanese economy came in at 99.8 for the month of November 2009. The inflation rate year over year was -1.8682% (compared to -2.5341% for the previous month). Inflation from October 2009 to November 2009 was -0.2000%. For the month of November, 9 out of the 10 major group indices saw a decrease in prices over the past 12 months. The decrease in the CPI was largely due to Fuel, light and water charges (down 6.9% from November 2008) and Furniture and household utensils (decrease of 4.2% for the past 12 months) and Reading and recreation (down 3.1% from November 2008). Large downward trends year over year were also seen in Food (-2.1%), Clothes and footwear (-1.6%), and Transportation and communication (-1.6%). The remaining indices that also applied downward pressure to the CPI on an annual basis were Miscellaneous (-0.7%); Housing (-0.3%); Medical care (-0.1%). From October 2009 to November 2009 the largest downward trend in prices was from Food (-0.8%). The only upward movement of the major groups was in Education which increased 0.8% over the last year and remained flat from October 2009. Next release is scheduled for January 29, 2010.

Canadian CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of November 2009

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Canadian economy came in at 115.2 for the month of November 2009. The inflation rate year over year was 0.9641% (compared to 0.0873% for the previous month). Inflation from October 2009 to November 2009 was 0.5236%. The increase in the CPI was largely due to gasoline prices which increased 14.1% from November 2008 (compared to a 13.1% decline in October 2009 over a 12-month period). Energy prices increased by 1.3% from November 2008 to November 2009 (compared to a drop of 12.7% last month). The major components that contributed to price increases for November were Transportation which increased 1.9% since November 2008 (first increase since October 2008) and included increases in insurance premiums (+7.8%), partially offset by a decrease in passenger vehicles (-6.0% compared to last year); Household operations and furnishings (+2.8% compared to 2.6% last month); Food prices increased by 1.7% over the 12-month period which was the smallest increase since April 2008 (compared to 2.3% last month). Recreation, education and reading rose 1.8% (compared to 1.5% last month) mainly due to tuition fees and reading material and other printed material; Health and personal care prices increase by 3.2% over last November (3.4% in October 2009). Downward pressure on the CPI came from the Shelter index which decreased 1.7% from November 2008 to November 2009 (-1.6% YoY last month); Mortgage interest cost index was down 4.0% in November (3.1% drop in October) - measures change in interest portion of payments on outstanding mortgage debt; Homeowners' maintenance and repairs costs and property taxes both increased by 4.3% in November. Next release is scheduled for January 20, 2010.

USA CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of November 2009

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 8:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United States economy came in at 216.33 for the month of November 2009. The inflation rate year over year was 1.8383% (compared to -0.1828% for the previous month). Inflation from October 2009 to November 2009 was 0.0708%. The food and beverages index increased 0.1% in November (same in October) helped by the food away from home index which increased by 0.2% while the food at home index remained the same. The food index has declined 0.7% since October 2008, the first 12+ month decrease since April 1967. The index for dairy decreased 0.7% (up 1% in October) along with the index for nonalcoholic beverages which fell for the second straight month, declining 0.3% in November. Partially offsetting these decreases was an increase in the index for cereals and bakery products which increased 0.1%. The energy index rose 4.1% in November (up 1.5% in October); gasoline index rose 6.4% (1.6% in October); electricity index rose 1.4% while the index for natural gas rose 1.5%; fuel oil index rose 9.0% in November. Over the past 12 months, the energy index has risen 7.4% (gasoline index increasing 23.6%). The index for all items less food and energy increased 0.2% in November (unchanged from October); Used cars and trucks index rose 2.0% in November (up 11.1% since April); New vehicles increased 0.6% in November (up 1.6% in October); Airline fares index increased 3.8% (up 13.3% since June); Lodging away from home index decreased 1.5% in November (up 0.4% in October); Rent index decreased 0.1% in November (decrease of 0.1% in October); Medical care index up 0.3% in November (0.2% in October); For the past 12 months, the index for all items less food and energy has risen 1.7%. Next release is scheduled for January 15, 2010.

UK CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of November 2009

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 4:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United Kingdom economy came in at 112 for the month of November 2009. The inflation rate year over year was 1.9108% (compared to 1.5455% for the previous month). Inflation from October 2009 to November 2009 was 0.2686%. The largest downward pressure came from food and non-alcoholic beverages which saw an increase of prices of 0.6% from October to November compared to a 1.4% increase last year and vegetables and to a lesser extent coffee, tea and cocoa. Other contributors to downward pressure were miscellaneous goods and services due to appliances and products for personal care and financial services, where mortgage arrangement fees rose by less than a year ago; Communication where mobile phone charges fell this year but rose a year ago; Health with prices of pharmaceutical products falling this year but rising a year ago. The largest upward pressure on the index came from transport, specifically from fuels and lubricants, where prices increased between October and November (2.8%) of this year but fell sharply a year ago (-8.3%) during the same period. Other upward contributors included the purchase of second-hand cars; Air transport where, overall, seasonal price reductions were less than a year ago with the upward effect coming from long-haul routes and sea and inland waterway transport with fares rising slightly this year but falling a year ago. Upward pressure was also seen in Clothing and footwear mainly due to men's and women's outerwear; Housing and household services because of liquid fuels, where the price of heating oil rose this year but fell a year ago, reflecting movements in the price of crude oil. Next release is scheduled for January 19, 2010.

Japanese CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of October 2009

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Japanese economy came in at 100 for the month of October 2009. The inflation rate year over year was -2.5341% (compared to -2.2395% for the previous month). Inflation from September 2009 to October 2009 was -0.3984%. For the month of October, 9 out of the 10 major group indices saw a decrease in prices over the past 12 months. The decrease in the CPI was largely due to Fuel, light and water charges (down 9% from October 2008) and Transportation and communication (decrease of 4.6% for the past 12 months). Large downward trends were also seen in Furniture and household utensils (-3.8%), and Reading and recreation (-3.5%). Food also applied downward pressure as prices changed -1.1% from September 2009 to October 2009 and are down -2.0% over the last year. Other downward trends for the past 12 months were: Housing (-0.3%); Clothes and footwear (-1.4%); Medical care (-0.4%); Miscellaneous (-0.6%). The only upward movement of the major groups was in Education which increased 0.8% over the last year and remained flat from September 2009. Next release is scheduled for December 26, 2009.

Japanese CPI and Inflation Rate

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST

RateInflation.com has initiated coverage of CPI and Inflation Rate data for Japan.

Canadian CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of October 2009

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Canadian economy came in at 114.6 for the month of October 2009. The inflation rate year over year was 0.0873% (compared to -0.8643% for the previous month). Inflation from September 2009 to October 2009 was -0.0872%. The increase in the CPI was largely due to less downward pressure from gasoline prices which decreased 13.1% in October 2009 over a 12-month period (compared to a 23% decline in September 2009 over a 12-month period). Excluding energy the CPI increased by 1.4% (1.3% increase in September). The major components that contributed to price increase for October included Food (+2.1% compared to 2.7% last month) and food purchased from restaurants (+2.7%); Household operations an furnishings (+2.6% compared to 2.2% last month); Recreation, education and reading (+1.5% compared to 1.1% last month) mainly due to tuition fees (+4.1%) and reading material and other printed material (+6.8%); Health and personal care (+3.4% compared to 3.9% last month); Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products (+2.7% compared to 2.6% last month). Downward pressure came from Transportation (-3.1% compared to -7.2% last month); Shelter index (-1.6% Year-over-Year compared to -1.8% YoY last month) primarily due to decreases in natural gas prices (-30.3%) and fuel and other fuels (-29.4%). Next release is scheduled for December 17, 2009.

USA CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of October 2009

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 8:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United States economy came in at 216.177 for the month of October 2009. The inflation rate year over year was -0.1828% (compared to -1.2862% for the previous month). Inflation from September 2009 to October 2009 was 0.0963%. The food and beverages index increased 0.1% in October (down 0.1% in September) helped by the food away from home index which increased by 0.1% while the food at home index remain unchanged. The food index has declined 0.6% since October 2008, the first 12+ month decrease since April 1967. A large part of the downward pressure on food prices came from declines in the indexes for fruits and vegetables which decreased 0.7% and for meats, poultry, fish and eggs, which decreased 0.2%. These increases were partially offset by increases in the index for dairy (up 1% in October).Energy index rose 1.5% in October (up 0.6% in September); gasoline index increasing 1.6% (1% in September); electricity index rose 0.6% while the index for natural gas rose 1.9% (declined 1.7% in September). Over the past 12 months, the energy index has fallen 14% (gasoline index declined 17.9%). The index for all items less food and energy increased 0.2% in October (up 0.2% in September); Used cars and trucks index rose 3.4% in October (up 1.6% in September); New vehicles increased 1.6% in October (up 0.4% in September); Airline fares index increased 1.7% (up 3.4% in September); Lodging away from home index rose 0.4% in October (up 1.5% in September); Rent index decreased 0.1% in October (decrease of 0.1% in September); Medical care index up 0.2% in October (0.4% in September); Indexes for recreation and apparel both decreased 0.4% in October. For the past 12 months, the index for all items less food and energy has risen 1.7%. Next release is scheduled for December 16, 2009.

UK CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of October 2009

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 4:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United Kingdom economy came in at 111.7 for the month of October 2009. The inflation rate year over year was 1.5455% (compared to 1.0879% for the previous month). Inflation from September 2009 to October 2009 was 0.1794% The largest downward pressure came from miscellaneous goods and services due to financial services, partially offset by insurance and personal care. Education also contributed to the downward trend as university fees increased this year. The largest upward pressure on the index came from transport, specifically from fuels and lubricants, where prices decreased between September and October (-0.7%) of this year but fell sharply a year ago (-6.1%) during the same period. Other upward contributors included the purchase of second-hand cars (up 1.1% between September and October and up 13.2% annually) and air transport where, overall, fares increased by 1.5% this year. Upward pressure was also seen in recreation and culture (largest upward effects came from recording media and, to a lesser extent, from games, toys and hobbies); Food and non-alcoholic beverages, mainly due to food where, overall, prices increased by more than a year ago; Communication, where prices rose between September and October this year by more than a year ago, mainly due to increases in landline telephone charges. Next release is scheduled for December 15, 2009.

Australian CPI and Inflation Rate for the quarter ended September 2009

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Australian economy came in at 168.6 for the quarter ending September 2009. The inflation rate year over year was 1.2613% (compared to 1.4581% for the previous quarter). Inflation from June 2009 to September 2009 was 0.9581%. The most significant price increases this quarter were for electricity (+11.4%), automotive fuel (+4.0%), water and sewerage (+14.1%), deposit and loan facilities (+3.0%) and house purchase (+1.1%). The most significant price decreases were for other financial services (–2.3%), vegetables (–5.6%), fruit (–5.4%), pharmaceuticals (–4.4%) and audio, visual and computing equipment (–2.2%). The housing group increased 2.9% - main contributor was electricity (+11.4%); water and sewage (+14.1%); house purchase (+1.1%), property rates and charges (+5.7%), rents (+1.2%), gas and other household fuels (+2.7%) and house repairs and maintenance (+0.8%). Year-over-year the housing group rose 5.5% mainly due to rents (+6.2%), electricity (+15.6%), water and sewerage (+14.9%) and house purchase (+1.7%). Transportation Index rose 1.9% - main contributor was price of automotive fuel which increased 4%, motor vehicles also rose 0.4%, motor vehicle parts and accessories was up 0.9% and motor vehicle repair and servicing rose 0.9%. Year-over-year the transportation index dropped 5.1%, with the main contributors being automotive fuel which decreased 19%; these decreases were partially offset by motor vehicle parts and accessories (+7.4%), urban transport fares (+4.7%), motor vehicle repair and servicing (+3.8%) and other motoring charges (+6.1%). The Financial and insurance services index rose 0.9% - primary contributor was deposit and loan facilities (+3.0%) and insurance services (+2.8%). Increases were partially offset by other financial services (-2.3%). Year-over-year the financial and insurance services group has decreased 7.2%, led by a drop in the deposit and loan facilities of 17% and other financial services (-0.5%) offset by increases in insurance services (+8.8%). The recreation index increased 0.7% - mainly due to price rises for pets, pet foods and supplies (+5.4%), sports participation (+2.1%), other recreation activities (+1.7%) and audio, visual and computing media and services (+0.8%). Largest downward pressure came from audio, visual and computing equipment (–2.2%). Year-over-year the recreation group rose 0.1% mainly due to other recreation activities (+5.5%) and pets, pet food and supplies (+14.2%); while Overseas holiday travel and accommodation (–5.1%), audio, visual and computing equipment (–8.5%) and domestic holiday travel and accommodation (–2.6%) placed downward pressure on the index. The alcohol and tobacco group increased 0.7% - beer (+1.4%), spirits (+1.4%) and wine (+0.9%). Tobacco (-0.1%) provided a small offsetting fall. Year-over-year the alcohol and tobacco group rose 4.0%. The household contents and services index increased by 0.6% - large contributors were major household appliances (+1.7%) and furniture (+0.5%). Downward effects came from toiletries and personal care products (–0.5%) and towels and linen (–0.4%). Year-over-year the household contents and services group rose 4%, a major contributors were rises in furniture (+4.8%), other household supplies (+5.4%) and floor and window coverings (+6.2%). The only negative annual effect was seen in towels and linen (–1.1%). The clothing and footwear increased 0.3% - due to increases in women's footwear (+3.3%), children's and infants' clothing (+1.7%) and men's underwear, nightwear and socks (+4.1%). A decrease was only seen in men's outerwear (–0.9%). Year-over-year the clothing and footwear index rose 2.3% mainly due to accessories (+6.7%) and women's underwear, nightwear and hosiery (+10.2) while women's footwear dropped (-1.2%). The food index fell 0.8% - the largest downward effects came from vegetables (–5.6%) and fruit (–5.4%). Increases came from take away and fast foods (+0.8%), food additives and condiments (+1.4%) and poultry (+1.4%). Year-over-year 18 of the 26 food categories increased which pushed the food group up 2.5%, primarily from increases in take away and fast foods (+5.1%), restaurant meals (+3.2%), snacks and confectionery (+4.2%) and soft drinks waters and juices (+3.9%) and partially offset by Vegetables (–3.8%) and fruit (–2.6%). The health index decreased 1.0% - pharmaceuticals (–4.4%) and hospital and medical services (–0.1%) while dental services increased by 0.7%. Year-over-year the health group rose 4.4% with increases in medical services (+5.4%), dental services (+4.2%) and pharmaceuticals (+2.3%). The communication index was flat at 0% - no material changes this quarter for telecommunication. Postal services increased (1.8%). Year-over-year the communication group has risen 1%. The education group index was flat at 0% - the only movement recorded this quarter was an increase in preschool and primary education (+0.1%). Year-over-year the education group has risen 5.6%. Next release is scheduled for January 27, 2010.

Canadian CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of September 2009

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Canadian economy came in at 114.7 for the month of September 2009. The inflation rate year over year was -0.8643% (compared to -0.7785% for the previous month). Inflation from August 2009 to September 2009 was 0.0000%. The largest downward pressure on the CPI came from a 12-month decline of 18.7% in prices for energy products, particularly gasoline (23% decline over last September). Excluding energy the CPI increased by 1.3%. The major components that also contributed to the downward trend for August included the Shelter index (-1.8% Year-over-Year compared to -2.2% YoY last month) primarily due to decreases in natural gas prices (-33.0%) and fuel and other fuels (-32.7%); Clothing and footwear index (-1.2% compared to -1.2% last month); Transportation (-7.2% compared to -6.7% last month). The other major components of the CPI all recorded increases year over year: Food (+2.7% compared to 4.0% last month); Household operations an furnishings (+2.2% compared to 2.5% last month); Health and personal care (+3.9% compared to 2.9% last month); Recreation, education and reading (+1.1% compared to 0.9% last month); Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products (+2.6% compared to 3.1% last month). Next release is scheduled for November 18, 2009.

USA CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of September 2009

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 8:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United States economy came in at 215.969 for the month of September 2009. The inflation rate year over year was -1.2862% (compared to -1.4843% for the previous month). Inflation from August 2009 to September 2009 was 0.0625%. The food and beverages index decreased 0.1% in September (up 0.1% in August) helped by the food at home index which fell 0.3% (down 0.5% in August) while food away from home increase 0.1%. The food index has declined 0.2% since September 2008, the first 12-month decrease since April 1967. A large part of the downward pressure on food prices came from declines in the indexes for fruits and vegetables which decreased 1.2% and for meats, poultry, fish and eggs, which decreased 1.0%. Energy index rose 0.6% in September (up 4.6% in August); gasoline index increasing 1.0%; electricity index rose 0.6% while the index for natural gas declined 1.7%. Over the past 12 months, the energy index has fallen 21.6%.The index for all items less food and energy increased 0.2% in September (up 0.1% in both July and August); Used cars and trucks index rose 1.6% in September (up 1.9% in August); New vehicles increased 0.4% in September (down 1.3% in August); Public transportation index rose 2.1% (up 1.3% in August) with a contribution from airline fares index which increased 3.4% (up 1.7% in August); Lodging away from home index rose 1.5% in September (up 0.5% in August); Rent index decreased 0.1% in September (was unchanged in August); Medical care index up 0.4% in September (rose 0.3% in August); Tobacco index rose 1.0% in September and has risen 26.1% since February. For the past 12 months, the index for all items less food and energy has risen 1.5%. The indexes for shelter, new vehicles, medical care and tobacco have all risen during the period, while the indexes for used cars and trucks and public transportation have declined. Next release is scheduled for November 18, 2009.

UK CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of September 2009

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 4:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United Kingdom economy came in at 111.5 for the month of September 2009. The inflation rate year over year was 1.0879% (compared to 1.5497% for the previous month). Inflation from August 2009 to September 2009 was 0.0898%. The largest downward pressure came from housing and household services (-1.1% Year-over-Year), specifically gas which was flat this year but rose last year. Electricity also contributed to the downward trend when certain major energy suppliers increased their gas and electricity tariffs. Another large contributor to the downward pressure was food and non-alcoholic beverages (-0.9% between August and September) mainly because of meat prices which fell this year but rose a year ago and fruit (largely because of banana prices). Other indexes that also applied smaller amounts of downward pressure to the CPI included recreation and culture (mostly from recording media - pre-recorded DVDs - and to some extent games, toys, hobbies) and restaurant and hotels (restaurants and cafes, accommodation services). The largest upward pressure on the index came from transport, specifically from fuels and lubricants, where prices rose between August and September this year but fell sharply a year ago. Other upward contributors included the purchase of second-hand cars; however this was partially offset by smaller downward effects from sea and air transport where seasonal price reductions were larger than a year ago. Upward pressure was also seen in clothing and footwear where prices rose by more than a year ago across a range of items. Next release is scheduled for November 17, 2009.

Canadian CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of August 2009

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Canadian economy came in at 114.7 for the month of August 2009. The inflation rate year over year was -0.7785% (compared to -0.9499% for the previous month). Inflation from July 2009 to August 2009 was 0.0000%. The largest downward pressure on the CPI came from a 12-month decline of 19.1% in prices for energy products, particularly gasoline. Excluding energy the CPI increased by 1.4%. The major components that also contributed to the downward trend for August included the Shelter index (-2.2% Year-over-Year compared to -2.0% YoY last month); Clothing and footwear index (-1.7% compared to -1.3% last month); Transportation (-6.7% compared to -9.1% last month). The other major components of the CPI all recorded increases year over year: Food (+4.0% compared to 5.0% last month); Household operations an furnishings (+2.5% compared to 2.6% last month); Health and personal care (+2.9% compared to 3.7% last month); Recreation, education and reading (+0.9% compared to 1.1% last month); Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products (+3.1% compared to 3.1% last month). Next release is scheduled for October 16, 2009.

USA CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of August 2009

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 8:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United States economy came in at 215.834 for the month of August 2009. The inflation rate year over year was -1.4843% (compared to -2.0972% for the previous month). Inflation from July 2009 to August 2009 was 0.2243%. The food and beverages index decreased 0.1% in August (down 0.3% in July) helped by the food at home index which fell 0.5% (down 0.5% in July). 3 of the six major grocery store food groups rose this period and 3 decreased resulting in a rise of 0.1 % in August for the index for all items less food and energy (1.4% increase over the last 12 months - the lowest increase since February 2004). Energy index rose 4.6% in August (down 0.4% in July); Food index rose 0.1% in August, (Food away from home increased 0.1%, food at home index remained unchanged); Used cars and trucks index rose 1.9% in August (unchanged in July); Public transportation index rose 1.3% in August (contribution from airline fares index which increased 1.7%); Lodging away from home index rose 0.5% in August (-2.1% in July); Rent index was unchanged; Medical care index up 0.3% in August (rose 0.2% in July); Index for recreation slightly up 0.1%. Smaller downward contributions came from the index for new vehicles which fell 1.3% in August (effect from "Cash for clunkers" program); index for apparel decreased 0.1%, and communication declined 0.2%. Next release is scheduled for October 15, 2009.

UK CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of August 2009

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 4:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United Kingdom economy came in at 111.4 for the month of August 2009. The inflation rate year over year was 1.5497% (compared to 1.7431% for the previous month). Inflation from July 2009 to August 2009 was 0.4509%. The largest downward pressure came from housing and household services (Year-over-Year decrease was 3.3%), specifically gas which was flat this year but rose last year. Electricity also contributed to the downward trend when certain major energy suppliers increased their gas and electricity tariffs. Another large contributor to the downward pressure was food and non-alcoholic beverages (-0.7% between July and August) mainly because of fruit, bread and cereals, vegetables and meat where prices fell this year but rose a year ago. . Other indexes that also applied smaller amounts of downward pressure to the CPI included recreation and culture (mostly from games, toys and hobbies) and package holidays. The largest upward pressure on the index came from transport, specifically from fuels and lubricants, where prices rose between July and August this year but fell sharply a year ago. Furniture, household equipment and maintenance where prices rose by more than a year ago for a wide range of furniture, carpets and rugs. Partially offsetting downward effects were small upward contributions from data processing equipment, 'photographic, cinematographic and optical equipment' and books, where for all these items, prices rose this year but fell a year ago. Next release is scheduled for October 13, 2009.

Canadian CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of July 2009

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Canadian economy came in at 114.7 for the month of July 2009. The inflation rate year over year was -0.9499% (compared to -0.2600% for the previous month). Inflation from June 2009 to July 2009 was -0.3475%. The largest downward pressure on the CPI came from a 12-month decline of 23.4% in prices for energy products, particularly gasoline. Excluding energy the CPI increased by 1.8%. The major components that also contributed to the downward trend for July included the Shelter index (-2.0% Year-over-Year compared to -0.8% YoY last month); Clothing and footwear index (-2.1% compared to -1.3% last month); Transportation (-9.1% compared to -7.7% last month). The other major components of the CPI all recorded increases year over year: Food (+5.0% compared to 5.5% last month); Household operations an furnishings (+2.6% compared to 2.9% last month); Health and personal care (+3.7% compared to 3.8% last month); Recreation, education and reading (+1.1% compared to 0.9% last month); Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products (+3.1% compared to 3.1% last month). Next release is scheduled for September 17, 2009.

UK CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of July 2009

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 4:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United Kingdom economy came in at 110.9 for the month of July 2009. The inflation rate year over year was 1.7431% (compared to 1.8349% for the previous month). Inflation from June 2009 to July 2009 was -0.0901%. The largest downward pressure came from food and non-alcoholic beverages (Year-over-Year increase was 4.1%, down from +5.4% last month), specifically meat prices which fell this year but rose last year. Vegetables also contributed to the downward trend along with bread and cereals. Another large contributor to the downward pressure was restaurant and hotels (+2.0%, down from +2.4% last month) because of prices changes in restaurants and cafes, and accommodation services. Other indexes that also applied smaller amounts of downward pressure to the CPI included housing and household services (+5.2%, down from +5.5% last month) (mostly from liquid fuels) which included regular maintenance and repair of dwellings (offset partially by rising actual rentals for housing. The largest upward pressure on the index came from recreation and culture (+2.0%, up from +1.2% last month), specifically from games, toys and hobbies and partially from recording media where prices of computer games and pre-recorded DVDs rose this year while they fell last year. Items that exerted a small amount of downward effects in this group were photographic, cinematographic and optical equipment. Other indexes that also applied smaller amounts of upward pressure to the CPI included alcoholic beverages and tobacco (spirits a major component); Furniture, household equipment and maintenance, partially offset by a decrease in the price of carpets and other floor coverings; communication (+1.5%, up from +0.7% last month), specifically telephone equipment services. Next release is scheduled for September 15, 2009.

USA CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of July 2009

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 8:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United States economy came in at 215.351 for the month of July 2009. The inflation rate year over year was -2.0972% (compared to -1.4268% for the previous month). Inflation from June 2009 to July 2009 was -0.1586%. The food and beverages index decreased 0.2% in July (up 0.1% in June) caused by the food at home index which fell 0.5% (the seventh decline in the last eight months). All six major grocery store food group indexes fell, with the largest decreases being a 1.3% decline in the index for meats, poultry, fish and eggs and a 0.6% decline in the dairy and related products index (decreased for 8 months in a row). Housing index down 0.2% in July (unchanged in June). Index for shelter down 0.2% and the household energy index declined 0.3%. For the past 12 months, the housing index has declined 0.7%, with the shelter index up 0.9% and the household energy index down 14.1%. The transportation index rose 0.2% in July (was up 4.2% in June) due mostly to the motor fuel index, which dropped 0.4% in July after increasing 17.2% in June. New vehicle index increased 0.5% (0.7% in June) and the index for used cars and trucks remained unchanged in July (increase of 0.9% in June). Public transportation index up 1.9% (declined 0.5% in June). Over the past 12 months, the transportation index has fallen 14.1%: gasoline index down 37.3%; airline fares dropped 16.6%; index for used cars and trucks declined 7.9%; new vehicle index up 1.2%. Other Groups: medical care index up 0.2% (0.2% in June) and Year-over-Year has increased 3.2%; index for other goods and services up 0.8% (increased 0.3% in June), partially due to the tobacco index, which increased 2.2% as excise tax increases in several states went into effect in July. Year-over-year the tobacco index is up 27.8%; Apparel index rose 0.6% (0.7% increase in June); education and communication up 0.3% (0.2% in June); index for recreation remained unchanged (up 0.5% in June). Next release is scheduled for September 16, 2009.

Australian CPI and Inflation Rate for the quarter ended June 2009

Wed, 21 Jul 2009 19:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Australian economy came in at 167 for the quarter ending June 2009. The inflation rate year over year was 1.4581% (compared to 2.4661% for the previous quarter). Inflation from March 2009 to June 2009 was 0.4813%. The most significant price increases this quarter were for automotive fuel (3.6%), hospital and medical services (3.6%), rents (1.4%), furniture (3.7%) and house purchase (0.8%). The most significant price decreases were for deposit and loan facilities (-4.3%), vegetables (-6.9%), fruit (-7.6%), and overseas holiday travel and accommodation (-3.4%). Transportation Index rose 1.6% - main contributor was price of automotive fuel which increased 3.6%, motor vehicles al rose 0.9%, motor vehicle parts and accessories was up 1.6% and motor vehicle repair and servicing rose 0.9%. Year-over-year the transportation index dropped 5.9%, with the main contributors being automotive fuel which decreased 20.6% and motor vehicles which declined 0.9%; these decreased were partially offset by motor vehicle parts and accessories (+8.8%), urban transport fares (+5.1%), motor vehicle repair and servicing (+4.2%) and other motoring charges (+3.9%). The household contents and services index increased by 2.2% - large contributors were furniture (+3.7%), other household supplies (+2.0%) and glassware, tableware and household utensils (+5.5%). Off-setting decreases came from major household appliances (-0.7%) and from household cleaning agents (-0.6%). Year-over-year the household contents and services group rose 2.4%, a major contributor being other household supplies (+5.1%), furniture (+3.0%), floor and window coverings (+5.6%) and other household services (+5.5%). Because of an increase in the child care tax rebate implemented in September 2008 the child care group saw a decrease of 18.7%. The housing group increased 0.8% - Rents (+1.4%), house purchase (+0.8%) and house repairs and maintenance (+1.2%) The only decrease was electricity (-0.6%). Year-over-year the housing group rose 5.2% mainly due to rents (+7.2%), electricity (+8.5%) and house purchase (+1.8%). The food index fell 0.9% - vegetables (-6.9%) and fruit (-7.6%) and a removal of a tax on milk contributed to a 3.0% fall in milk prices. Increases came from fast foods (+1.1%) and from restaurant meals (+0.8%). Year-over-year twenty three of the twenty six food categories increased which pushed the food group up 4.8%, primarily from increases in take away and fast foods (+5.7%), restaurant meals (+4.1%) and fruit (+7.7%). The Financial and insurance services index dropped 1.7% - primary contributor was deposit and loan facilities (-4.3%) and partially offset by other financial services (+0.1%) and insurance services (+1.3%). Year-over-year the financial and insurance services group fell 6.6%, led by a drop in the deposit and loan facilities of 17.9% and offset by increases in insurance services (+9.0%) and other financial services (+2.6%). The health index rose 2.3% - hospital and medical services (+3.6%) and dental services (+0.8%) while pharmaceuticals dropped by -0.6%. Year-over-year the health group rose 5.2% with increases in hospital and medical services (+6.4%), dental services (+4.2%) and pharmaceuticals (+2.9%). The clothing and footwear increased 2.1% - due to increases in accessories (+6.3%), women's underwear, nightwear and hosiery (+9.4%), children's and infants' clothing (+3.1%) and men's outerwear (+3.0%). Decreases were seen in women's footwear (-2.0%) and men's footwear (-1.8%) provided the major offsetting decreases displaying falls in most capital cities. Year-over-year the clothing and footwear index rose 1.3% mainly due to increases in women's underwear, nightwear, hosiery (+9.7%), accessories (+7.1%) and clothing services and shoe repairs (+3.9%) while women's footwear dropped (-4.8%). The alcohol and tobacco group increased 0.9% - tobacco (+1.2%), beer (+1.2%) and spirits (+0.8%). Wine (-0.1%) provided a small offsetting fall. Year-over-year the alcohol and tobacco group rose 4.7%. The communication index rose 0.3% - due to increases in the cost of telecommunication (+0.2%). Postal services (0.0%) recorded no change. Year-over-year the communication group rose 1.2%. The education group rose 0.1% - mainly due to a small increase in preschool and primary education (+0.4%). Year-over-year the education group rose 5.1%. The recreation index decreased 0.1% - mainly due to price drops in overseas holiday travel and accommodation (-3.4%) and audio, visual, media and services (-1.6%). Increases were seen in pets, pet food and supplies (+5.0%) and domestic holiday travel and accommodation (+1.0%). Year-over-year the recreation group rose 0.7% mainly due to pets, pet food and supplies (+9.9%) and other recreation activities (+4.8%) while audio, visual and computing equipment (-10.1%) provided the major offset. Next release is scheduled for October 28, 2009.

Canadian CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of June 2009

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Canadian economy came in at 115.1 for the month of June 2009. The inflation rate year over year was -0.2600% (compared to 0.0873% for the previous month). Inflation from May 2009 to June 2009 was 0.3487%. The decrease in the CPI was primarily caused by the 12-month decline of 19.0% in prices for energy products, particularly gasoline (CPI increased 2.1% excluding energy). The transportation component dropped 7.7% year-over-year (8.2% decrease for May). Gasoline prices, which dropped 24.3% between June 2008 and June 2009 were a major contributor this decrease. The cost of purchasing passenger vehicles declined 5.2% in June (trend is slowing: 6.6% drop in May and 8.3% in April). However, there has been an increase in passenger vehicle insurance premiums which provided resistance to the decline of the overall transportation index. The Shelter index decreased 0.8% year-over-year (0.2% decline in May) mainly because of price decreases for natural gas (-23.7%) and fuel oil and other fuels (-40.6%) and in homeowner's replacement costs (-3.5%). The mortgage interest cost index, which measures the change in the interest portion of payments on outstanding mortgage debt, rose 0.9% in June (increased 1.9% in May). The clothing and footwear index fell 3.6% (mainly due to 6.1% drop in prices for women's clothing). The largest upward contributor to the CPI continued to be food prices which rose 5.5% in June (6.4% in May and 7.1% in April). The increase has mainly come from food purchased from stores which increased 6.4% in June (7.4% in May) while food purchased from restaurants rose 3.6% in June (4.0% in May and 4.2% in April). Next release is scheduled for August 19, 2009.

USA CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of June 2009

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 8:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United States economy came in at 215.693 for the month of June 2009. The inflation rate year over year was -1.4268% (compared to -1.2814% for the previous month). Inflation from May 2009 to June 2009 was 0.8590%. In the last 12 months 12 months there has been a decrease in the energy index of 25.5%. The largest upward contributors to the CPI over this same period were the food index (up 2.1%) and the index for all items less food and energy (1.7%). The food and beverages index increased in June (up 0.1%, down 0.2% in May). The housing index was unchanged in June while the index for shelter increased by 0.1% (second straight month, along with rent and owners' equivalent rent). The index for transportation increased in June (up 4.2%, up 0.8% in May). The majority of the increase in the transportation group came from the motor fuel index which rose 17.2% in June. New vehicles index increase 0.7% (0.5% increase in May), used cars and trucks index increased 0.9% in June (up 1.0% in May). Other indexes: medical care and education and communication increased 0.2% in June (up 0.3% in May); apparel was up 0.7% in June (down 0.2% over the last 3 previous months); recreation increased 0.5% in June (largest one month gain since April 2001 - contributors to the increase were admissions and for cable and satellite television and radio contributed); other goods and services were up 0.3% in June; tobacco and smoking products increased 0.8%; personal care index rose 0.1%. Next release is scheduled for August 14, 2009.

UK CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of June 2009

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 4:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United Kingdom economy came in at 111 for the month of June 2009. The inflation rate year over year was 1.8349% (compared to 2.2161% for the previous month). Inflation from May 2009 to June 2009 was 0.2710%. The largest downward effects came from food and non-alcoholic drink prices (meat, bread and cereals, fruit, vegetables, milk, cheese and eggs and, to a lesser extent, sugar, jam and confectionery) which decreased in May and June but increased over the same period last year. Another large contributor to the decrease was furniture. Smaller downward effects also came from Alcoholic beverages and tobacco; Transport, due to ‘fuels and lubricants’ and ‘air transport’; miscellaneous goods and services. Recreation and culture (principally due to computer games) applied large upward pressure on the CPI year-over-year and small upward effects also came from Audio-visual equipment. Next release is scheduled for August 18, 2009.

Canadian CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of May 2009

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Canadian economy came in at 114.7 for the month of May 2009. The inflation rate year over year was 0.0873% (compared to 0.3524% for the previous month). Inflation from April 2009 to May 2009 was 0.7024%. The largest contributor of downward pressure on the CPI year-over-year was from price drops for energy products (down 18.3% for the year). This price drop has more to do with higher than average prices in 2008 than it does with current market prices/conditions in 2009. Excluding energy the CPI rose 2.3%. The largest contributor of upward pressure on the CPI came from increasing prices for food (Excluding food, the CPI fell 1.2% year-over-year). This increase in food prices has grown rapidly over the year but has been slowing since March 2009. Transportation costs are 8.2% lower (price declines for gasoline and passenger vehicles); shelter cost index down 0.2% (first drop since July 2002). Next release is scheduled for July 17, 2009.

USA CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of May 2009

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 8:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United States economy came in at 213.856 for the month of May 2009. The inflation rate year over year was -1.2814% (compared to -0.7369% for the previous month). Inflation from April 2009 to May 2009 was 0.2889%. This is the largest decline of the CPI since April 1950 (main contributor is a 27.3% decline in the energy index). The food and beverages index declined 0.2% in May (same as April). The housing index fell 0.1% in May (the third time in as many months). The index for transportation increased 0.8% in May (decreases were also seen for April and March). The gasoline index rose 3.1% in May (-2.8% in April). The index for new and used motor vehicles increased 0.5% in May; index for medical care rose 0.3% in May (0.4% increase in April); index for prescription drugs increased 0.6% in May (0.5% in April); hospital services index rose 0.1% in May (1.0% in April); index for education and communication rose 0.3% in May (education part 0.5% and the communication part 0.1% -- decreased 0.4% in April); apparel index dropped 0.2% in May (third time in as many months). Next release is scheduled for July 15, 2009.

UK CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of May 2009

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 4:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United Kingdom economy came in at 110.7 for the month of May 2009. The inflation rate year over year was 2.2161% (compared to 2.3234% for the previous month). Inflation from April 2009 to May 2009 was 0.5450%. Most of the downward pressure on inflation for this period came from food and non-alcoholic beverages (meat prices increasing by less than the previous year; small downward effects from vegetables and bread and cereals, partially offset by a large upward effect from fruit). Falling tariffs on electricity bills also contributed to the downward pressure and helped to drop the overall Housing and household services index (liquid fuels also applied some downward pressures along with rents for private rented property and from furniture, household equipment and routine maintenance). Upward pressure on inflation mainly came from alcoholic beverages and tobacco (increase in excise duty in this year’s budget). Recreation and culture also contributed to increases in the CPI. This was mainly due to recording media such as pre-recorded DVDs (a downward contribution from books helped to partially offset these prices). There was also a small upward contribution from clothing and footwear. Next release is scheduled for July 14, 2009.

Canadian CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of April 2009

Wed, 20 May 2009 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Canadian economy came in at 113.9 for the month of April 2009. The inflation rate year over year was 0.3524% (compared to 1.2433% for the previous month). Inflation from March 2009 to April 2009 was -0.0877%. Upward pressure on the Consumer Price Index came largely from food while downward pressure was due mainly to price drops for energy and a lessening of price increases from non-energy shelter components. With food excluded the CPI fell 1.1% year over year. With energy excluded, the CPI rose 2.4% year over year. Food prices rose 7.1% year over year (Large increases: fresh vegetables (+26%), fresh fruit (+16.8%), cereal products (+9.6%), beef (+9.0%) and chicken (+9.0%)); Natural gas prices dropped 17.5% year over year; Gasoline prices decreased 24.7% year over year (21.0% drop for March); Electricity prices slowed from a 12-month growth rate of 3.1% in March to 1.0% in April. Shelter costs increased 0.2% (2.1% for March). Transportation costs decreased 8% due to an overall drop in the prices of both gasoline and passenger vehicles; Mortgage Interest Cost Index (measures the change in interest portion of payments) rose 3.2% year over year. Next release is scheduled for June 18, 2009.

UK CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of April 2009

Tue, 19 May 2009 4:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United Kingdom economy came in at 110.1 for the month of April 2009. The inflation rate year over year was 2.3234% (compared to 2.9053% for the previous month). Inflation from March 2009 to April 2009 was 0.2732% The largest downward pressure on inflation came from housing and household services (electricity and gas bills which dropped this year compared to last). Food and non-alcoholic beverages also contributed to the drop (biggest contributor coming from vegetables and meat). Prices for alcoholic beverages and tobacco had a further downward effect. Upward pressures on inflation mostly came from rising transport costs, particularly the rising prices for cars, and the cost of fuels and lubricants. Next release is scheduled for June 16, 2009.

USA CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of April 2009

Fri, 15 May 2009 8:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United States economy came in at 213.24 for the month of April 2009. The inflation rate year over year was -0.7369% (compared to -0.3836% for the previous month). Inflation from March 2009 to April 2009 was 0.2496%. The energy index dropped 2.4% after declining 3.0% in March. The indexes for motor fuel, fuel oil, natural gas, and electricity decreased in April. The food index declined as well, falling 0.2% in April after a 0.1% decrease in March. Over the past year, the food index has risen 3.3% while the energy index saw a decrease of 25.2%. Offsetting the drops in the food and energy indexes was a 0.3% increase in the index for all items less food and energy. However, most of the increase was due to the tobacco index which rose 9.3% in April as an increase in the federal excise tax on cigarettes went into effect. Next release is scheduled for June 17, 2009.

Australian CPI and Inflation Rate for the quarter ended March 2009

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 19:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Australian economy came in at 166.2 for the quarter ending March 2009. The inflation rate year over year was 2.4661% (compared to 3.6852% for the previous quarter). Inflation from December 2008 to March 2009 was 0.1205%. The largest contributors to the increase in the price index for the quarter were pharmaceuticals (+13%), rents (+1.7%), secondary education fees (+7.6%), vegetables (+6.0%), and electricity (+3.6%). The significant items that applied downward pressure to the price index for the quarter were for deposit and loan facilities (–14.1%), automotive fuel (–8.1%), domestic holiday travel and accommodation (–5.1%) and overseas holiday travel and accommodation (–4.0%). Next release is scheduled for July 22, 2009.

UK CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of March 2009

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 4:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United Kingdom economy came in at 109.8 for the month of March 2009. The inflation rate year over year was 2.9053% (compared to 3.1044% for the previous month). Inflation from February 2009 to March 2009 was 0.1825%. Housing and household services contributed most to the downward change in the CPI annual rate. This was mainly due to gas bills (specifically liquid fuels where the price of heating oil fell this year but increased in the previous year); food and non-alcoholic beverages also placed downward pressure on the index (largest contributors were vegetables, and to a lesser extend fruits, breads and cereals); another largest downward contributor was fares and other travel costs where, in the other travel costs section, passenger air fares fell this year but rose a year ago with the main effect coming from European routes partially offset by domestic fares. The largest upward contributor to the index was from motoring expenditure (mainly because motor vehicle prices increased while last year they had decreased); other large contributors to an increased CPI were clothing, footwear, and leisure goods due to audio-visual equipment where the price of personal computers was little changed this year but fell a year ago Next release is scheduled for May 19, 2009.

Canadian CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of March 2009

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Canadian economy came in at 114 for the month of March 2009. The inflation rate year over year was 1.2433% (compared to 1.4260% for the previous month). Inflation from February 2009 to March 2009 was 0.1757% Higher food and shelter costs placed upward pressure on the consumer price index during this period. Food prices rose 7.9% year-over-year (7.4% in February) and Shelter costs rose 2.1% over the same period (3% in February). Transportation costs dropped 6.2% year-over-year mainly due to lower prices for gasoline and for purchasing/leasing passenger vehicles; Overall, energy prices decreased 11.2% during the same period (February’s decline was 8.8%). Next release is scheduled for May 20, 2009.

USA CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of March 2009

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 8:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United States economy came in at 212.709 for the month of March 2009. The inflation rate year over year was -0.3836% (compared to 0.2362% for the previous month). Inflation from February 2009 to March 2009 was 0.2432%. The food and beverages index declined 0.1% in March and the largest decline was in the dairy and related products index, which fell 2.4% in March. The food index has increased 4.4% over the past year, with the food at home index up 4.3%. Over the past year, the housing index has risen 1.4%, with the shelter index up 1.5% and the household energy index down 0.5%. The transportation index has declined 13.1% since March 2008, with the index for gasoline down 39.3%. Apparel index decreased 0.2% in March (1.3% increase in Feb); Medical Care index increased 0.2% in March and has risen 2.8% over the past year; Recreation index has remained the same in March but is up 1.7% for the year; Education and Communication increased 0.2% in March (Education up 0.5% and communication the same in March); Other goods and services saw an increase of 2.7% in March mostly due to the increase in the tobacco and smoking products index which rose 11%. Next release is scheduled for May 15,2009.

UK CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of February 2009

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 4:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United Kingdom economy came in at 109.6 for the month of February 2009. The inflation rate year over year was 3.1044% (compared to 3.0332% for the previous month). Inflation from January 2009 to February 2009 was 0.8280%. The increase in February comes after four consecutive months of the UK CPI Inflation falling. The largest upward pressure on the CPI came from food and non-alcoholic beverages. Although this categary increased across a broad set of items the largest individual factor was the price of vegetables. Prices also rose within the recreation and culture category with the main driving force coming from games, toys, hobbies, computer games and pre-school activity toys. Transportation: costs rose by more than a year ago mainly due to the price of fuels and lubricants. The average price of petrol rose by 3.2 pence per litre between January and February, to stand at 89.5 pence, compared with a rise of 0.1 pence last year. Diesel prices also rose, by 2.1 pence per litre compared with 0.5 pence last year. These increases were somewhat offset by falling airfare prices. The only large downward pressure on the CPI annual inflation rate came from housing and household services. This reflected trends in gas and electricity bills which were unchanged this year but rose a year ago when many suppliers increased their rates. Next release is scheduled for April 21, 2009.

Canadian CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of February 2009

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Canadian economy came in at 113.8 for the month of February 2009. The inflation rate year over year was 1.4260% (compared to 1.0733% for the previous month). Inflation from January 2009 to February 2009 was 0.7080%. The upward pressure on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) came primarily from two sources: higher food and shelter costs. Food prices increased 7.4% during the 12-month period to February (7.3% increase in January). Shelter costs increased 3% (3.3% increase in January) due mostly to higher mortgage interest costs and prices for household utilities. Transportation costs decreased due to lower prices for gasoline and for purchasing and leasing passenger vehicles. Gasoline prices in February 2009 were 19.7% below levels in February 2008. Excluding gasoline, the CPI rose 2.5% in the 12 months to February. Overall, energy prices fell 8.8% during the 12-month period to February (compared to 10.9% decrease in January). Prices for clothing and footwear fell 0.5% in the 12 months to February, (0.4% drop in January) mostly due to a decrease 1.7% in clothing prices. Jewellery prices rose 9.9% in the 12 months to February, primarily as a result of rising prices for gold. Next release is scheduled for April 17, 2009.

USA CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of February 2009

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 8:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United States economy came in at 212.193 for the month of February 2009. The inflation rate year over year was 0.2362% (compared to 0.0298% for the previous month). Inflation from January 2009 to February 2009 was 0.4973%. The energy index rose 3.3% in February following a 1.7% increase in January due to an increase of the gasoline index of 8.3% in February (6.0% increase in January). The indexes for fuel oil and natural gas both declined in February. About two-thirds of the all items increase was due to the rise in the gasoline index. The food index turned down slightly in February, falling 0.1%. The indexes for new vehicles and apparel increased substantially in February, and the indexes for rent and owners' equivalent rent increased slightly. Partly offsetting these increases were continuing declines in the indexes for lodging away from home and airline fares. The food and beverages index declined 0.1% in February after rising 0.1% in January. The housing index was virtually unchanged in February for the third straight month. The index for transportation rose 1.9% in February after a 1.3% increase in January. The new and used motor vehicles index rose 0.5% in February. The apparel index rose 1.3% in February after increasing 0.3% in January. the medical care index rose 0.3% with the prescription drug index rising 0.6%. The index for recreation rose 0.4% as the indexes for toys, for sporting goods, and for pets, pet products and services all increased. The education and communication index rose 0.2%, with the education index rising 0.4% and the communication index virtually unchanged. The index for other goods and services advanced 0.2% with the tobacco and smoking products index posting a 0.7% increase. Next release is scheduled for April 15,2009.

USA CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of January 2009

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 8:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United States economy came in at 211.143 for the month of January 2009. The inflation rate year over year was 0.0298% (compared to 0.0914% for the previous month). Inflation from December 2008 to January 2009 was 0.4352%. The energy index grew 1.7% in January (first increase in 6 months), however it was still 31.4% below its July 2008 peak level. Within energy, the gasoline index rose 6% in January after a 19.3% drop in December. However, some energy components continued to decline; the fuel oil index fell 3.7% in January and the index for natural gas dropped 3.6%. The food and beverages index increased 0.1% in January, the same increase as in December. The housing index was virtually unchanged in January for the second straight month. The transportation index rose for the first time since July, increasing 1.3% in January. In December the apparel index dropped 0.6% but rose 0.3% in January. The medical care index climbed 0.4% in January following a 0.2% increase in November and a 0.3% advance in December. The index for recreation, down 0.2% in December, was virtually unchanged in January. The education and communication index increased 0.3% in January and was up 3.6% over the past year. After being virtually unchanged in December, the index for other goods and services rose 0.3% in January and was up 3.3% over the past 12 months. The index for tobacco and smoking products rose 0.8% in January, while the personal care index increased 0.1%. Next release is scheduled for March 18, 2009.

Canadian CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of January 2009

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Canadian economy came in at 113 for the month of January 2009. The inflation rate year over year was 1.0733% (compared to 1.1607% for the previous month). Inflation from December 2008 to January 2009 was -0.2648%. Downward pressure in January came mainly from lower gasoline prices, but also from a sharp decline in the cost for purchasing and leasing passenger vehicles. Upward pressure on the all-items index came mostly from higher food and shelter prices. The rate of change in consumer prices has been slowing since September 2008. Gasoline prices in January 2009 were 23.5% below the level in the same month in 2008. Overall, energy prices fell 10.9% in January. Food prices increased 7.3% during the 12-month period to January with bakery and cereal products (a 10.5% rise in prices) and fresh vegetables applying upward pressure on the food index. Shelter costs were also a significant upward contributor to the 12-month change in consumer prices in January, especially mortgage interest payments. The transportation price index declined 7.5% in January. The cost of purchasing and leasing passenger vehicles fell 8.2% compared with a year earlier. The decline reflected manufacturer incentives provided on 2009 vehicle models in response to the current downturn in auto sales. However, these declines were slightly offset by a 4.1% increase in prices for passenger vehicle insurance premiums and a 4.2% increase in air transportation costs. Next release is scheduled for March 19, 2009.

UK CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of January 2009

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 4:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United Kingdom economy came in at 108.7 for the month of January 2009. The inflation rate year over year was 3.0332% (compared to 3.1073% for the previous month). Inflation from December 2008 to January 2009 was -0.7306%. The largest downward contribution to the change in the CPI annual rate came from 'Transport costs' mainly due to the price of fuels and lubricants which fell this year but rose last year. Large downward effects also came from the cost of vehicle maintenance and repair, the purchase of motor vehicles and air fares. There was a partially offsetting effect from rail transport where fares rose by more than a year. Overall housing rental charges fell slightly this year, compared with a rise a year ago. A small downward contribution came from food and non-alcoholic beverages where prices fell by more than last year. Downward effects from ‘bread and cereals’ and ‘milk cheese and eggs’ were partially offset by upward effects from vegetables and chocolate and confectionery. There were further large upward contributions from: furniture, household equipment and maintenance, alcoholic drink, miscellaneous goods and services mainly from ‘appliances and products for personal care' and banking services, clothing and footwear where overall prices in January fell by less than last year, following some heavy discounting in December.

Australian CPI and Inflation Rate for the quarter ended December 2008

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 19:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Australian economy came in at 166 for the quarter ending December 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 3.6852% (compared to 4.9811% for the previous quarter). Inflation from September 2008 to December 2008 was -0.3003%. The most significant price falls this quarter were for automotive fuel (-18.2%), motor vehicles (-2.4%), deposit and loan facilities (-1.9%) and pharmaceuticals (-4.7%). The contribution of automotive fuel fell 1.47 index points, providing a negative impact on the December quarter 2008 CPI movement, compared to a rise of 0.16 index points in the September quarter 2008. The most significant offsetting price increases were for rents (+1.8%), fruit (+8.0%), tobacco (+1.7%) and take away and fast foods (+1.5%).

Canadian CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of December 2008

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Canadian economy came in at 113.3 for the month of December 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 1.1607% (compared to 1.9660% for the previous month). Inflation from November 2008 to December 2008 was -0.7011%. Gasoline prices in December 2008 were 25.8% below levels in the same month the year before. This was the largest drop since the inception of the gasoline price index. Excluding gasoline, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.6% in the 12 months to December. On-going price declines for purchasing and leasing passenger vehicles, women's clothing and fuel oil and other fuels have also reduced CPI increases over the year. The most significant upward contributor was mortgage interest cost, despite a recent decrease in mortgage interest rates. Increasing prices for natural gas and various food items, particularly fresh vegetables and bakery and cereal products, also put significant upward pressure on consumer prices in December.

UK CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of December 2008

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 4:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United Kingdom economy came in at 109.5 for the month of December 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 3.1073% (compared to 4.0720% for the previous month). Inflation from November 2008 to December 2008 was -0.3640% The largest downward contribution to the change in the CPI annual rate came from clothing and footwear. The reduction in the rate of VAT lowered the price of men’s and women’s clothing and footwear. Additionally, there was greater discounting of women’s clothing and footwear than last year. Overall the price of children’s clothing fell by more than last year due to discounting in sales. There was also a large downward contribution from transport costs. The largest effect came from the price of fuels and lubricants which fell this year but rose last year. The average price of petrol fell by 6.0p per litre between November and December this year, to stand at 89.2p, compared with a rise of 1.7p last year. Diesel prices fell by 6.4p per litre this year, to stand at 102.4p, compared with a rise of 3.0p last year. There was also an effect from the price of cars which fell by more than last year. There was a partially offsetting effect from transport services where air fares, and to a lesser extent coach fares, rose by more than last year. Further large downward contributions came from: recreation and culture (largest effect came from toys), furniture, household equipment and maintenance (partly due to the reduction in the rate of VAT, communication where landline, mobile and cable telephone charges decreased to reflect the reduction in the rate of VAT, miscellaneous goods and services (mainly came from ‘appliances and products for personal care’ and ‘jewellery clocks and watches’)

USA CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of December 2008

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 8:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United States economy came in at 210.228 for the month of December 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 0.0914% (compared to 1.0696% for the previous month). Inflation from November 2008 to December 2008 was -1.0342%. Declining energy prices, particularly for gasoline, again drove most of the decline. Within energy, the gasoline index fell 17.2 percent and accounted for almost 90 percent of the decrease in the all items index. The index for household energy declined 0.7 percent. Excluding energy, the index was virtually unchanged for the third straight month. The food index declined 0.1 percent in December, the first decrease since April 2006, as many meat, dairy, fruit, and vegetable indexes decreased. Continuing decreases in the indexes for lodging away from home, airline fare, and new and used motor vehicles, along with downturns in the indexes for apparel and recreation, offset increases in other indexes including rent and owners' equivalent rent, medical care, and education.

Canadian CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of November 2008

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Canadian economy came in at 114.1 for the month of November 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 1.9660% (compared to 2.5986% for the previous month). Inflation from October 2008 to November 2008 was -0.3493% The slowdown in November was due primarily to gasoline prices, which were 14.4% below November 2007 levels, and far offset increases for food and shelter items. Excluding gasoline, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.8% in the 12 months to November, up from the 2.0% rise recorded in October. This was the fastest pace of growth since May 2003. The most significant individual contributors to November's 12-month increase in consumer prices were mortgage interest costs, natural gas prices and prices for various food items, particularly bakery and cereal products, as well as fresh vegetables. Factors mitigating the overall increase, in addition to the drop in gasoline prices, included continuing price declines for purchasing and leasing passenger vehicles, women's clothing, and computer equipment and supplies.

USA CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of November 2008

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 8:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United States economy came in at 212.425 for the month of November 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 1.0696% (compared to 3.6552% for the previous month). Inflation from October 2008 to November 2008 was -1.9153% Falling energy prices, particularly gasoline, drove the decline in the overall index. Excluding food and energy, the CPI was virtually unchanged in November and is up 2.0 percent since November 2007. Continuing declines in the indexes for new and used motor vehicles, lodging away from home, airline fares and some technology-related commodities offset small increases in a variety of other service and commodity items.

UK CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of November 2008

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 4:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United Kingdom economy came in at 109.9 for the month of November 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 4.0720% (compared to 4.4634% for the previous month). Inflation from October 2008 to November 2008 was -0.0909%. For the second successive month, the largest downward contribution to the change in the CPI annual rate came from transport costs. This was mainly due to the price of fuels and lubricants which fell this year but rose a year ago. The average price of petrol fell by 9.3 pence per litre between October and November this year, to stand at 95.2 pence, compared with a rise of 3.5 pence last year. Diesel prices fell by 7.5 pence per litre this year compared with a rise of 5.0 pence last year. Within this division there was an additional small downward effect from the purchase of vehicles where the price of second-hand cars fell this year but rose a year ago. Partially offsetting these effects was a large upward contribution from transport services due to smaller seasonal price reductions in air fares than a year ago. The effect came from the cost of European and, to a lesser extent, domestic flights. There was a further large downward contribution from housing and household services. This was largely due to heating oil which fell in price this year but rose a year ago reflecting movements in the price of crude oil.

Canadian CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of October 2008

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Canadian economy came in at 114.5 for the month of October 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 2.5986% (compared to 3.3959% for the previous month). Inflation from September 2008 to October 2008 was -1.0372%. Although the growth in gasoline prices eased in the 12 months to October, they were still the most significant upward contributor to the overall growth in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Prices at the pump increased 13.3%, compared with a 12-month change of 26.5% in September. On a monthly basis, gasoline prices fell 13.4% from September to October 2008. Excluding gasoline, the CPI rose 2.0% in the 12 months to October. Excluding all energy components, the CPI advanced 1.8%. Increasing mortgage interest costs were the second major contributor to October's rise. Other energy products, such as natural gas and fuel oil and other fuels, also continued to push up consumer prices, as did price increases for various food items, namely bakery and cereal products. Helping to mitigate the rise in the CPI in October were continuing price declines for purchasing and leasing passenger vehicles, women's clothing and computer equipment and supplies.

USA CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of October 2008

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 8:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United States economy came in at 216.573 for the month of October 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 3.6552% (compared to 4.9369% for the previous month). Inflation from September 2008 to October 2008 was -1.0101%. On a seasonally adjusted basis, the CPI-U decreased 1.0 percent in October following very little change in September and August. The large October decline was the largest one month decrease since publication of seasonally adjusted changes began in February 1947. Compared to a year the October index was up 3.7 percent. The energy index fell 8.6 percent in October following declines of 1.9 percent in September and 3.1 percent in August. Motor fuel prices continued to decline in October, with the gasoline index falling 14.2 percent. Despite the decline, gasoline prices remain 12.0 percent above their October 2007 level. The index for household energy items declined 0.9 percent following a 3.4 percent decrease in September. Petroleum based household fuel prices continued to decline, but the October decreases were moderated by an increase in the electricity index. The food index increased 0.3 percent in October, a smaller advance than the average monthly increase of 0.7 percent during the June through September period. Compared with a yearearlier, the food index was up 6.3 percent. The index for all items less food and energy turned down in October, declining 0.1 percent to a level 2.2 percent above October 2007.

UK CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of October 2008

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 4:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United Kingdom economy came in at 110 for the month of October 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 4.4634% (compared to 5.2481% for the previous month). Inflation from September 2008 to October 2008 was -0.2720%. The largest downward contribution to the change in the CPI annual rate came from transport costs. Within this, the largest effect came from the price of fuels and lubricants which fell this year but rose last year; the decrease this year was triggered by a sharp fall in the price of crude oil. The average price of petrol fell by 7.1 pence per litre between September and October this year, to stand at 104.5 pence, compared with a rise of 2.7 pence last year. Diesel prices fell by 7.0 pence per litre this year, to stand at 116.3 pence, compared with a rise of 3.0 pence last year. There was also a large downward effect from transport services where the price of air transport fell, compared with a rise last year, and the price of sea transport fell by more than last year. Within air fares the effect came mainly from the cost of European flights. There was another large downward contribution from food and non-alcoholic beverages. The effect came largely from the price of meat, which fell this year compared with a rise last year. Prices fell for a range of pork products; beef prices fell, with discounting in a range of supermarkets; and, overall, chicken prices rose by less than last year. There was a small downward effect from biscuits. There was a partially offsetting upward effect from the price of milk.

Canadian CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of September 2008

Thu, 24 Oct 2008 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Canadian economy came in at 115.7 for the month of September 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 3.3959% (compared to 3.4915% for the previous month). Inflation from August 2008 to September 2008 was 0.0865%. Shelter costs remained the primary contributor to the 12-month increase in consumer prices in September. Food costs replaced transportation as the second leading contributor. Transportation costs, now third, continued to be buoyed by higher gasoline prices, although lower prices for vehicles have had a moderating effect. Increasing costs for mortgage interest, natural gas and fuel oil and other fuels continued to propel costs for shelter. Nearly all food items registered price increases, but bread and cereal products, fresh fruit and vegetables and dairy products contributed significantly to higher food prices in September.

Australian CPI and Inflation Rate for the quarter ended September 2008

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 20:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Australian economy came in at 166.5 for the quarter ending September 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 4.9811% (compared to 4.5079% for the previous quarter). Inflation from June 2008 to September 2008 was 1.1543% The most significant price rises this quarter were for rents (+2.1%), water and sewerage (+12.3%), house purchase (+1.3%), automotive fuel (+2.0%), deposit and loan facilities (+1.9%), overseas holiday travel and accommodation (+4.9%), electricity (+4.6%) and property rates and charges (+6.1%). The most significant offsetting price decreases were for child care (-22.9%), pharmaceuticals (-3.9%), audio, visual and computing equipment (-3.9%) and motor vehicles (-0.7%).

USA CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of September 2008

Tue, 16 Oct 2008 8:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United States economy came in at 218.783 for the month of September 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 4.9369% (compared to 5.3719% for the previous month). Inflation from August 2008 to September 2008 was -0.1383%. On a seasonally adjusted basis, the CPI-U was virtually unchanged in September following a 0.1 percent decrease in August. The index for energy fell 1.9 percent in September following a 3.1 percent decline in August. The motor fuel index declined 0.8 percent in September but was 31.8 percent higher than a year ago. The index for household energy fell 3.4 percent in September after a 1.6 percent decrease in August. The food index advanced 0.6 percent in September, the same increase as in August. The index for food at home rose 0.6 percent in September after a 0.8 percent rise in August and is up 7.6 percent over the past year. The index for all items less food and energy increased 0.1 percent in September, decelerating for the second straight month.

Canadian CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of August 2008

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Canadian economy came in at 115.6 for the month of August 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 3.4915% (compared to 3.3929% for the previous month). Inflation from July 2008 to August 2008 was -0.1727%

USA CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of August 2008

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 8:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United States economy came in at 219.086 for the month of August 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 5.3719% (compared to 5.6001% for the previous month). Inflation from July 2008 to August 2008 was -0.3992%

UK CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of August 2008

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 4:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United Kingdom economy came in at 109.7 for the month of August 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 4.7755% (compared to 4.4061% for the previous month). Inflation from July 2008 to August 2008 was 0.6422%

Canadian CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of July 2008

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Canadian economy came in at 115.8 for the month of July 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 3.3929% (compared to 3.1278% for the previous month). Inflation from June 2008 to July 2008 was 0.3466%

USA CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of July 2008

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 8:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United States economy came in at 219.964 for the month of July 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 5.6001% (compared to 5.0218% for the previous month). Inflation from June 2008 to July 2008 was 0.5251%

UK CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of July 2008

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 4:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United Kingdom economy came in at 109 for the month of July 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 4.4061% (compared to 3.8095% for the previous month). Inflation from June 2008 to July 2008 was 0%

Canadian CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of June 2008

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 7:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Canadian economy came in at 115.4 for the month of June 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 3.1278% (compared to 2.2302% for the previous month). Inflation from May 2008 to June 2008 was 0.6981%

Australian CPI and Inflation Rate for the quarter ended June 2008

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Australian economy came in at 164.6 for the quarter ending June 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 4.5079% (compared to 4.2416% for the previous quarter). Inflation from March 2008 to June 2008 was 1.4797%

USA CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of June 2008

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 8:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United States economy came in at 218.815 for the month of June 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 5.0218% (compared to 4.1755% for the previous month). Inflation from May 2008 to June 2008 was 1.0077%

UK CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of June 2008

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 4:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United Kingdom economy came in at 109 for the month of June 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 3.8095% (compared to 3.3397% for the previous month). Inflation from May 2008 to June 2008 was 0.6464%

Canadian CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of May 2008

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 9:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Canadian economy came in at 114.6 for the month of May 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 2.2302% (compared to 1.7025% for the previous month). Inflation from April 2008 to May 2008 was 0.9692%

UK CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of May 2008

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 9:00:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United Kingdom economy came in at 108.3 for the month of May 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 3.3397% (compared to 2.9665% for the previous month). Inflation from April 2008 to May 2008 was 0.6506%

USA CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of May 2008

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 8:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United States economy came in at 216.632 for the month of May 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 4.1755% (compared to 3.9369% for the previous month). Inflation from April 2008 to May 2008 was 0.8421%

Canadian CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of April 2008

Wed, 21 May 2008 9:30:01 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Canadian economy came in at 113.5 for the month of April 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 1.7025% (compared to 1.3501% for the previous month). Inflation from March 2008 to April 2008 was 0.7993%

USA CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of April 2008

Wed, 14 May 2008 8:30:00 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United States economy came in at 214.823 for the month of April 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 3.9369% (compared to 3.9815% for the previous month). Inflation from March 2008 to April 2008 was 0.6065%

UK CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of April 2008

Tue, 13 May 2008 6:00:01 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United Kingdom economy came in at 107.6 for the month of April 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 2.9665% (compared to 2.3992% for the previous month). Inflation from March 2008 to April 2008 was 0.8435%

Video: Duck Tales Inflation Lesson

Mon, 12 May 2008 9:00:01 EST

Yes, you read that correctly. A lesson on inflation from an episode of Duck Tales!

UK CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of March 2008

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 6:00:01 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United Kingdom economy came in at 106.7 for the month of March 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 2.3992% (compared to 2.5072% for the previous month). Inflation from February 2008 to March 2008 was 0.3763%

UK Inflation and CPI data now available!

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 5:00:01 EST

Current and historical Inflation Rates and Consumer Price Index data is now available for the United Kingdom. Historical data goes back to 1988.

Article/Slideshow: Inflation - Good or Bad?

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 5:00:01 EST

Inflation or Deflation: Which is better for a growing economy?

Australian CPI and Inflation Rate for the quarter ended March 2008

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 9:00:01 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Australian economy came in at 162.2 for the quarter ending March 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 4.2416% (compared to 2.9582% for the previous quarter). Inflation from December 2007 to March 2008 was 1.3117%

Canadian CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of March 2008

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 9:00:01 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Canadian economy came in at 112.6 for the month of March 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 1.3501% (compared to 1.8149% for the previous month). Inflation from February 2008 to March 2008 was 0.3565%

USA CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of March 2008

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 8:30:01 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United States economy came in at 213.528 for the month of March 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 3.9815% (compared to 4.0266% for the previous month). Inflation from February 2008 to March 2008 was 0.8668%

Mobile Site Launched!

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 9:00:01 EST

Want to check out the most recent Inflation Rates or CPI numbers? No problem, log on to our mobile site designed for handheld devices and easily find the information you’re looking for. The mobile site is available by visiting m.rateinflation.com from your mobile browser.

Video: Old School Inflation

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 9:00:01 EST

If you have ever wondered what exactly inflation is, and how it's created, then this informative video, by Edward Griffin, done back in 1969 will explain it to you. Learn how institutions which can legally print money are artificially creating inflation every second. Those central banks are the root cause for decreasing the value our money and also the value of our work.

Article: Exchange Rate Systems

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 9:00:01 EST

Exchange Rate Systems in Two Periods of Capital Mobility

USA CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of February 2008

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 9:00:01 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the United States economy came in at 211.693 for the month of February 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 4.0266% (compared to 4.2803% for the previous month). Inflation from January 2008 to February 2008 was 0.2904%

Canadian CPI and Inflation Rate for the month of February 2008

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 9:00:01 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Canadian economy came in at 112.2 for the month of February 2008. The inflation rate year over year was 1.8149% (compared to 2.1938% for the previous month). Inflation from January 2008 to February 2008 was 0.3578%

Australian CPI and Inflation Rate for the quarter ended December 2007

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 9:00:01 EST

The Consumer Price Index for the Australian economy came in at 160.1 for the quarter ending December 2007. The inflation rate year over year was 2.9582% (compared to 1.8626% for the previous quarter). Inflation from September 2007 to December 2007 was 0.9458%