Consumer Inflation Inches Upward in December

Food prices increased in December, but not as much as expected, according to the latest Consumer Price Index from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for December was released early Tuesday morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, and the markets are responding kindly.

The numbers show consumer inflation rose 0.3 percent last month. However, that is 0.10 percent lower than expected. Year over year, consumer inflation is up 2.7 percent. Shelter was the largest increase in December, while the food index rose by 0.7 percent.

On Wednesday, the Bureau will release a companion report, the Producer Price Index (PPI), which provides a read on farmer spending. Join us on Market Day Report for expert analysis on that data and what it means for the ag industry as we head into the new year.

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UT Extension also offers tips to help consumers stretch their grocery budgets, including meal planning, sticking to a shopping list, and choosing store or generic brands.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

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