U.S. Economic News
November 15, 2017
U.S. Economic Indicators
Consumer prices edged up 0.1% in October (up 2.0% on the year), mainly due to increases in shelter costs. The “core” CPI, which excludes food and energy, rose 0.2% in October and is up 1.8% on the year. BLS Report
Retail sales rose 0.2% in October and were up 4.6% on the year. Core sales — which excludes autos, gasoline, building materials, and food services — increased 0.3%. Census Bureau Report
Business inventories were unchanged in September but were up 3.5% from last year. Manufacturers’ sales increased 0.8% and were up 5.3% on the year. Census Bureau Report
U.S. News
The Wall Street Journal reports that Chicago Fed President Charles Evans says that he has some concerns that persistently weak inflation may be more permanent than others believe. Evans also says that he is keeping an open mind about voting for a rate increase at the next FOMC meeting despite strong market expectations of a rate hike. WSJ