Consumer prices jump again in July

The cost of many goods and services such as gas, autos, clothing and airfare rose in July and rebounded from pandemic lows, but inflation is still barely visible in the wake of a coronavirus-induced recession that sapped demand throughout the economy.

The consumer price index rose 0.6% for the second month in a row, the government said Wednesday. Economists polled by MarketWatch had forecast a 0.4% advance.

The cost of living had declined from March through May during the height of the crisis.

The increase in consumer prices over the past 12 months, meanwhile, rose to 1% from 0.6% in June.
Just seven months ago, at the start of 2020, the yearly pace of inflation has climbed to as high as 2.5%.

Another closely watched measure of inflation that strips out food and energy also shot up 0.6% last month. The increase in the core rate was the largest since 1991, but it follows a record decline.

The yearly increase in the so-called core rate, moved up to 1.6% from 1.2%.

Higher gas prices accounted for about one-quarter of the increase in consumer inflation in July. The cost of oil has recovered from multiyear lows earlier in 2020, though prices are still relatively low.
Food prices, on the other hand, dropped 0.4% after three straight large increases.

Prices for rent, medical care, new and used vehicles, auto insurance, passenger fares, apparel, wireless phone and Internet service also rose.

The cost of recreation declined, one of the few categories to see a decrease.