REPEAT:MNI DATA ANALYSIS: Fourth Quarter ECI Slows To +0.6%>

Repeats Story Initially Transmitted at 13:30 GMT Jan 31/08:30 EST Jan 31

--4Q Wages +0.5% V +0.7% 3Q

--4Q Benefits +0.5% V +0.8% 3Q

By Holly Stokes and Sara Haire

     WASHINGTON (MNI) - The Employment Cost Index fell slightly in the 

fourth quarter to an expected 0.6% increase, below the 0.7% increase 

seen in the third quarter, data released by the Bureau of Labor 

Statistics Wednesday showed. 

     While the quarter/quarter pace of growth fell slightly in the most 

recent quarter, the year-over-year rate saw a rise to 2.6%, suggesting 

continuously steady compensation growth.     

     Benefits growth also slowed down this quarter with a 0.5% increase, 

following a 0.8% rise in the third quarter. Despite the decline, 

benefits were up 2.5% year/year, a faster pace than the 2.4% year/year 

rate in third quarter and a much faster pace than the 2.1% year/year 

seen in fourth quarter of 2016. The benefits year/year growth is 

continuing to trend upwards. 

     Wage and salary growth saw a decline to a 0.5% gain from a 0.7% 

rise in the third quarter. The year/year pace stayed at 2.5%, still 

higher than the 2.3% year/year pace seen in the fourth quarter of 2016. 

     Among the occupational groups, private industry workers 

compensation costs increased to 3.1% year/year for production, 

transportation, and material moving occupations, higher than the 2.7% 

seen in fourth quarter of 2016.  

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