Inflation rose last month, buoyed by sharp increases in the price of apparel and other nondurables, gasoline, and medical services.
The overall unadjusted consumer price index (CPI) increased 2% in September, up from August’s 1.7% increase.
The core inflation rate, which excludes food and energy, was also up by 2%. Although gasoline prices rose by 6.9% in the month, overall energy price increases were tempered by decreases in electricity rates and natural gas prices.
The price index for apparel and footwear jumped by 2.7%, well above the overall inflation rate, and a full percentage point higher than August’s 1.7% rise.
Apparel prices (excluding footwear) also increased by 2.7%, up from 1.4% in the prior month. Footwear prices increased by 2.6% in the month, down slightly from August.
Men’s and boy’s apparel prices increased by 3.3%, much less than August’s 4.2% jump. The women’s and girl’s CPI jumped from a slight decline in the prior month to a 2.2% increase. Infant and toddler apparel prices increased by 4% in the month.
