US consumer prices stay flat in July www3.nhk.or.jp
US consumer prices were unchanged in July as the cost of gasoline fell while fees for medical care and new car prices rose.
The Labor Department said on Tuesday that the consumer price index for all urban consumers was unchanged from the previous month on a seasonally adjusted basis. The data reflected market expectations.
The consumer price index for July, excluding food and energy, was up 2.2 percent from the same month last year. The index remained above the 2-percent level for the 9th month in a row.
The prices of some items such as clothing and used cars continue to decline. But fees for medical care and other services are on the rise. The improved job market has led to moderate wage increases.
Market analysts say they believe the US Federal Reserve is likely to raise interest rates before the end of the year.
They say they're closely watching to see if consumer prices will rise steadily and are also monitoring the improvement in the labor market.
Published Date:2016-08-17