July US CPI +0.1%; core rate +0.2%
The latest data from the Labor Department showed the consumer price index rising just 0.1 percent in July. The core rate, which strips out volatile food and energy components rose 0.2 percent. Cheaper clothing and airfare were offset by a significant jump in healthcare costs. Economists surveyed by CBS MarketWatch.com looked for a 0.2 percent increase both overall and for the core rate. Year-to-date, retail inflation is still running at a tame 2.5 percent overall and 2 percent for core goods and services.