The U.S. consumer prices rose more than expected in December, according to a recent report by the Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.3% last month after nudging up 0.1% in November
The cost of shelter accounted for more than half of the increase in the CPI. In the 12 months through December, the CPI rose 3.4% after increasing 3.1% in November. This increase was higher than the 0.2% on the month and 3.2% on a year-on-year basis that economists polled by Reuters had forecasted.
In addition, the report also stated that weekly jobless claims fell. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits were unchanged at a seasonally adjusted 205,000 for the week ended Dec. 18, the Labor Department said.
This report could delay a much anticipated interest rate cut in March from the Federal Reserve. With the resilient labor market keeping wage growth elevated, some economists expect a rate cut in May or June.
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