The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported prices in the midwest region, as measured by the consumer price index for all urban consumers, were unchanged in august. Food prices crept up a tenth of a percent, but energy costs declined 2 point 3 percent over the month. Prices for all items minus food and energy rose 2 tenths of a percent.
Over the last 12 months, the consumer price index for the midwest increased 1 point 5 percent. Food prices increased 1 point 6 percent. Energy prices decreased 4 point 1 percent, largely the result of lower prices for gasoline. The index for all items less food and energy advanced 2 point 1 percent over the year.
