Inflation Rises. Shelter 3.4% and Medical Care 4.8%.

Consumer Price Index (September 2016)

– CPI month/month +0.3%. Previous was +0.2%
– CPI year/year +1.5%. Previous was +1.1%
– CPI core (less food & energy) month/month +0.1%. Previous was +0.3%
– CPI core (less food & energy) year/year +2.2%. Previous was +2.3%

While CPI at 2.0% is what the Fed wants this report show that there is significantly higher inflation in 2 areas which constitute necessities – shelter and health care. Both are high
ticket and a 3.4% (unadjusted) year/year increase in shelter and a 4.8% year/year increase in Medical Care Services take large bites out of discretionary consumer spending.

 
Redbook Chain Store Sales (week ended 10/15/2016)

– Store Sales year/year +1.0%. Previous was +0.5%

 
Housing Market Index (October 2016)

– Index 63. Previous was 65.

This is produces from surveys taken by the National Association of Home Builders and is supposed to measure the confidence these folks have. Home building is risky and requires confidence
that folks will buy homes months into the future at prices which will make the builders money.