Prices that consumers pay for a variety of goods and services rose more than expected in December, according to a Labor Department measure Thursday that shows inflation still holding a grip on the U.S. economy.
The consumer price index increased 0.3% for the month, higher than the 0.2% estimate at a time when most economists and policymakers see inflationary pressures easing. On a 12-month basis, the CPI closed 2023 up 3.4%. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had been looking for respective readings of 0.2% and 3.2%.
Excluding volatile food and energy prices, so-called core CPI increased 0.3% for the month and 3.9% from a year ago, compared to respective estimates of 0.3% and 3.8%.
Much of the increase came do to rising shelter costs. The category rose 0.5% for the month and accounted for more than half the core CPI increase. On annual basis, shelter costs increased 6.2%, or about two-thirds of the rise in inflation.
Fed officials largely expect shelter costs to decline through the year as renewed leases reflect lower rents.
Food prices increased 0.2% in December, the same as in November, while energy posted a 0.4% gain after sliding 2.3% in November. Gasoline rose 0.2%.
In other key price indexes, motor vehicle insurance bounced 1.5% higher, medical care accelerated by 0.6% and used vehicle prices, a key contributor in the initial inflation surge, increased another 0.5% after being up 1.6% in November.
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