For the latest data, click here. April 17, 2015

INFLATION- NATIONWIDE The cost of consumer goods and services as measured by the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) decreased 0.1 percent nationwide from March ’14 to March ’15, its third consecutive decline. According to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the decrease is a result of an 18.3 percent drop in the energy index. Core inflation (all items less the volatile food and energy categories) rose 1.8 percent over the past 12 months.1 Within the energy index, gasoline prices experienced the steepest decline, falling 29.2 percent since March ’14. Household energy prices decreased 4.2 percent during the same period. Food prices increased 2.3 percent since March ’14 with the cost of dining out rising 2.9 percent and the cost of groceries increasing 1.9 percent. The cost of housing grew 1.9 percent since March ’14.

1 CPI data in this commentary are not seasonally adjusted.

-3%

-2%

-1%

0%

1%

2%

3%

4%

5%

6%

'05 '06 '07 '08 '09 '10 '11 '12 '13 '14 '15 '16

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, not seasonally adjusted

Inflation, 12-Month Change

Houston CPI-U U.S. CPI-U

INFLATION- HOUSTON In Houston (for this data series, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery and Waller Counties), the energy index decreased 27.5 percent since March ’14. The cost of gasoline fell 32.6 percent and household energy prices declined 20.1 percent. The shelter index increased 4.8 percent and grocery prices rose 2.4 percent over the past 12 months. Full March and April CPI data for Houston will be released on May 22. Prepared by Greater Houston Partnership Research Department

Patrick Jankowski, CCR Senior Vice President, Research 713-844-3616 pjankowski@houston.org

Jenny Philip Senior Manager, Economic Research 713-844-3615 jphilip@houston.org