U.S. Consumer Prices up 0.3%

As a broad range of increases kept up moderate inflation pressures, consumer prices rose 0.3% Labor Department data showed Oct. 16. The consumer price index, a measure of inflation at the retail level, was higher than the 0.2% rise expected by analysts.

Core prices excluding volatile food and energy costs rose 0.2%, in line with forecasts. Over the past 12 months, overall prices are up 2.8% and core prices 2.1%.

Energy prices rose 0.3% in September after falling in each of the prior three months Food prices rose 0.5% in September.

Transportation prices rose 0.1%, while housing prices, medical prices and apparel prices each rose 0.3% in September.

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