On a seasonally adjusted basis, the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 0.2 percent in December, following a decline of 0.2 percent in November, according to a recent U.S. Dept. of Labor report. The index for food rose 0.6 percent in December with prices for food at home up 0.8 percent, reflecting, in part, another large increase in beef prices. Energy costs rose 0.2 percent in December, following a 3.0 percent drop in November. The index for all items less food and energy increased 0.1 percent in December, compared with a 0.1 percent decrease in November, according to the report. Shelter costs, which were unchanged in November, increased 0.3 percent in December.
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