Core CPI rises in-line with forecast

 The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.4 percent 
 in December on a seasonally adjusted basis after rising 0.2 percent in November, 
 the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the last 12 months, 
 the all items index increased 1.4 percent before seasonal adjustment.
 
 The seasonally adjusted increase in the all items index was driven by an 
 8.4-percent increase in the gasoline index, which accounted for more than 60 
 percent of the overall increase. The other components of the energy index were 
 mixed, resulting in an increase of 4.0 percent for the month. The food index 
 rose in December, as both the food at home and the food away from home indexes 
 increased 0.4 percent.  
 
 The index for all items less food and energy increased 0.1 percent in December 
 after rising 0.2 percent in the previous month. The indexes for apparel, motor 
 vehicle insurance, new vehicles, personal care, and household furnishings and 
 operations all rose in December. The indexes for used cars and trucks, 
 recreation, and medical care were among those to decline over the month. 
 
 The all items index rose 1.4 percent for the 12 months ending December, a 
 slightly larger increase than the 1.2-percent rise reported for the period 
 ending November. The index for all items less food and energy rose 1.6 percent 
 over the last 12 months, as it did in the periods ending October and November. 
 The food index rose 3.9 percent over the last 12 months, while the energy 
 index fell 7.0 percent.