The Consumer Price Index rose 0.4 percent in March, boosted by increases in the costs of food, gasoline and rents, the Labor Department said yesterday. That was the biggest monthly increase since January 2018 and followed a 0.2 percent gain in February.
But overall, the inflation picture remains muted. In the 12 months through March, the CPI increased 1.9 percent. The CPI gained 1.5 percent in the 12 months through February, which was the smallest rise since September 2016.
What's rising? Food prices gained 0.3 percent in March after rising 0.4 percent in February. Health-care costs were up 0.3 percent after slipping 0.2 percent in February. Apparel prices fell 1.9 percent, the biggest drop since January 1949, after two straight monthly gains. There were also decreases in the price of used motor vehicles and trucks, airline fares and motor vehicle insurance.
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