The Producer Price Index for final demand decreased 0.3 percent in September, seasonally adjusted, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Final demand prices rose 0.1 percent in August and 0.2 percent in July. (See table A.) On an unadjusted basis, the final demand index advanced 1.4 percent for the 12 months ended in September. In September, the index for final demand services decreased 0.2 percent, and prices for final demand goods dropped 0.4 percent. The index for final demand less foods, energy, and trade services was unchanged in September after rising 0.4 percent in August. For the 12 months ended ... (full story)

U.S. producer prices unexpectedly fell in September, weighed down by decreases in the costs of goods and services, which could give the Federal Reserve room to cut interest rates again this month to limit the drag on the economy from trade tensions and slowing growth overseas. The Labor Department said on Tuesday its producer price index for final demand dropped 0.3% last month, the largest decline since January, after edging up 0.1% in August. In the 12 months through September the PPI increased 1.4%, the smallest increase since November 2016, after rising 1.8% in August. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast ... (full story)