The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.5 percent in January on a seasonally adjusted basis, after increasing 0.1 percent in December, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the last 12 months, the all-items index increased 6.4 percent before seasonal adjustment. This was the smallest 12-month increase since the 12 month period ending October 2021.  The Fed follows the “core” inflation index – excluding food and energy, the most volatile categories. The core inflation index, less food and energy, rose 5.6 percent over the last 12 months, its smallest 12-month increase since December 2021. However, food and energy are key components of consumer spending, and the energy index increased 8.7 percent for t...

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