Prices for goods in the United States were marginally higher last month.
Figures released Wednesday by the U.S. Labor Department said the consumer price index climbed 0.3% in October, with higher prices for gasoline, used autos and housing contributing to the increase.
The department says that this measure of inflation has increased 2.5% over the past 12 months. Adjusted for rising prices, average weekly wages have improved 0.9% this year.
Core inflation, which excludes volatile energy and food costs, rose 0.2% in October and 2.1% from a year ago.
Gas prices rose 3% in October, after having dipped 0.2% in September. Housing — the single largest component of the index — increased 0.3% last month. But food prices slipped in October as fruits, vegetables, cereals and bakery products became cheaper.
