CPI<\/a> <\/strong>for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) rose by 0.3% on a seasonally adjusted basis, marking a slight acceleration from the previous four months, which saw a consistent 0.2% rise each month. Over the past year, the CPI increased by 2.7%, up from 2.6% in October.<\/p>\nShelter costs played a major role in the monthly increase, rising by 0.3% and contributing nearly 40% of the total rise. Additionally, food prices also saw a notable increase, with the food index rising by 0.4%. Within the food sector, grocery prices (food at home) grew by 0.5%, while dining out (food away from home) went up by 0.3%.<\/p>\n
The energy index rose by 0.2%, reversing the flat performance from October. However, when excluding food and energy, the core CPI rose by 0.3%, continuing a trend from the previous months. Increases were seen in categories such as used cars, medical care, new vehicles, and recreation. Communication costs were one of the few areas to decline.<\/p>\n