MNI: 5 Things We Learned From The October CPI Data>

By Kevin Kastner and Holly Stokes

     WASHINGTON (MNI) - The following are the key points from the 

Consumer Price Index data for October released by the BLS Wednesday: 

     - October CPI +0.1%, core CPI +0.2% (+0.225% unrounded), exactly as 

expected. Forecasts for CPI are usually very accurate. 

     - The y/y rate for headline CPI +2.0% vs +2.2% in September, while 

the y/y rate for core CPI now +1.8% vs +1.7%, high since +1.9% in April 

and the first rise since January. 

     - Still, the data suggests continued modest inflation growth 

allowing the FOMC to maintain a controlled pace of policy tightening. 

     - Energy prices -1.0% for October after August and September gains, 

with gasoline prices -2.4%, leaving CPI ex only energy +0.2%. Food 

prices flat. 

     - Within the core, owners' equivalents rents +0.3%, lodging away 

from home +1.6%, medical care +0.3%, new vehicles -0.2%, apparel -0.1%. 

     ** MNI Washington Bureau: 202-371-2121 ** 

[TOPICS: MAUDS$,M$U$$$,MAUDR$]