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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABORW. J. Usery, Jr., Secretary
BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICSJulius Shiskin, Commissioner
OFFICE OF PRICES AND LIVING CONDITIONSW. John Layng, Assistant Commissioner
The CPI Detailed Report is a monthlyreport on consumer price movementsincluding statistical tables andtechnical notes.
This publication may be ordered fromthe Superintendent of Documents,U.S. Government Printing Office,Washington, D.C. 20402.
Subscription price per year:$9.00, domestic$11.00, foreign
$.75, single copy
Library of CongressCatalog number 74-647019
May 1976
CPI Detailed ReportFor March 1976Consumer Price Index: U.S. City Average and Selected Areas
Contents
Page
Price movements 1
Chart 1. All items index and rates of change, 1967-76 7Chart 2. Commodities less food index and rates of change,
1967-76 8Chart 3. Total food index and rates of change, 1967-76 9Chart 4. Services index and rates of change, 1967-76 10
Table 1. CPI—U.S. city average, by commodity and servicegroup and expenditure class 11
Table 2. CPI—seasonally adjusted U.S. city average, by commodityand service group and expenditure class 12
Table 3. CPI—food items, U.S. city average . . . 13
Table 4. CPI—nonfood commodities and services, U.S. city
average 14
Table 5. CPI—selected areas, all items index 18
Table 6. CPI—areas priced monthly, by expenditure class,
percent change from February 1976 to March 1976 18
Table 7. CPI—selected areas, by expenditure class 19
Table 8. CPI—food groups, selected areas 21
Table 9. CPI—gasoline indexes, U.S. city average and selectedareas 22
Table 10. CPI—gasoline average prices, U.S. city average andselected areas 22
Table 11. CPI—regular leaded gasoline indexes, U.S. city averageand selected areas 23
Table 12. CPI—premium gasoline indexes, U.S. city average and
selected areas 25
Table 13. CPI—by population size 27
Table 14. CPI—by region 27
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Price MovementsMarch 1976
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.2 percent inMarch, before seasonal adjustment, to 167.5 percent of its1967 base. The CPI in March was 6.1 percent higher thanin March 1975.
Seasonally adjusted changes
On a seasonally adjusted basis, the CPI rose 0.2 percentin March. In February, the increase was 0.1 percent. Theseincreases compare with a rise of 0.4 percent in January andan average monthly increase of 0.6 percent in the last 3months of 1975. The indexes for food and gasoline de-clined substantially in March as they had in February.Prices of most other commodities increased moderately inMarch; a notable exception was used car prices which rosesharply. Charges for consumer services continued to riserapidly.
Price changes, first quarter
The CPI rose at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 2.9percent for the 3 months ending in March. This was theslowest pace in almost 4 years and compares with a steadyrise of about 7 percent in 1975. Declines in food and fuelprices accounted for much of the slowdown in the firstquarter. Prices of other commodities rose at a moderatepace—about the same as in the preceding 3 quarters.Charges for consumer services continued the rapid riseevident since mid-1975 (table B).
Changes in the CPI are influenced partly by behavior ofprices at the producers' level. The Wholesale Price Index(WPI) measures prices of food and industrial commoditiesat all stages of production, but it has no services component.The WPI component most nearly comparable to the com-modities component of the CPI is the index for finishedconsumer goods.
Table A. Percent changes in CPI and components, selected periods
Month
Changes from preceding month
All items
Unad-justed
Seasonallyadjusted
Food
Unad-justed
Seasonallyadjusted
Commoditiesless food
Unad-justed
Seasonallyadjusted
Services
Unad-justed
Seasonallyadjusted
Changes in all items
Compoundannual rate
From3 months
ago
Seasonallyadjusted
From12 months
ago
Unad-justed
1975:MarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugust . . .SeptemberOctober...November.December.
1976:January...February..March . . . .
0.4.5.4.8
1.1.3.5.6.6.4
.2
.2
.2
0.4.5.5.7
1.0.4.4.6.6.5
.4
.1
.2
-0.2- .1
.41.52.4- .3- . 2
.7
.4
.5
.1- .4- .7
-0.3.2.9
1.21.8- .2
.3
.9
.6
.6
- .2-1 .0
- . 8
0.8.8.6.5.7.5.5.5.3.1
- .3.3.4
0.6.5.3.4.9.6.3.3.3.4
.2
.3
.3
0.4.6.2.7.5.5
1.0.6
1.1.6
1.0.7.6
0.6.6.4.7.5.4.8.6
1.0.6
1.1.7.7
6.65.75.77.09.18.57.45.86.87.3
6.54.42.9
10.310.29.59.39.78.67.87.67.37.0
6.86.36.1
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Table B. Quarterly percent changes in selected components of the Consumer and Wholesale Price Indexes,
1975-76
Component
Compound annual rate, seasonally adjusted, for 3 months ending—
1975
March June September December
1976
March
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX
All itemsFoodCommodities less foodServices
All items less food and energy itemsCommodities less food and energy items . .Services less energy itemsEnergy items (gas, electricity, fuel oil,coal, gasoline, motor oil)
WHOLESALE PRICE INDEX
All commoditiesFarm products and processed foods and feeds
Crude foods and feedsIntermediate materials for foodmanufacturing
Consumer foods
Industrial commoditiesCrude materials except foodsIntermediate materials except feedsProducers' finished goodsConsumer finished goods except food
6.6.5
8.09.3
9.49.47.4
1.4
-5.2-24.7-37.4
-46.6-14.3
3.9-13.0
4.412.73.5
7.09.75.36.8
5.14.25.7
17.0
6.518.363.8
-39.428.7
2.113.5- . 24.84.1
7.48.07.57.4
5.85.08.2
23.6
10.818.317.0
22.311.2
8.016.75.86.3
10.7
7.38.34.39.3
7.14.49.7
6.0
6.5-4.1-2.4
-26.2.9
10.84.4
12.19.19.3
2.9-7.5
2.911.1
7.75.29.7
-8.3
-1.8-15.8-24.7
-11.1-20.5
3.21.93.76.8
.5
The WPI for consumer finished goods declined at a7.8-percent rate in the 3 months ending in March. Thedecline followed a deceleration in 1975 from a 13.9-percentrate of advance in the second quarter to 5.6 percent in thefourth quarter. The deceleration in 1975 was primarily dueto changes in the food component; nonfood commoditiesrose at rapid rates in the third and fourth quarters of 1975.For the 3 months ending in March 1976, the consumer foodindex declined sharply while the index for nonfood com-modities held almost steady (table C).
Consumer foods
Food prices in the WPI declined at a 20.5-percent rate inthe first quarter, following a small rise of 0.9 percent in thefinal quarter of 1975. Lower prices by processors led todeclines in retail prices in the first quarter for most grocerystore foods, including beef, pork, poultry, eggs, fresh andprocessed fruits and vegetables, sugar, cereal and bakeryproducts, and fats and oil products. Thus, the index forfood purchased in grocery stores—the major portion ofthe food index in the CPI—declined at an 11.7-percentrate, compared with increases of 8 to 11 percent in thepreceding 3 quarters.
Declines in food prices can be traced to sharply lowerprices at all stages of food production—crude, semi-processed, and processed. Cattle prices fell at an annualrate of about 65 percent as marketings increased. In con-trast to 1975, when record numbers of grass-fed cattlewere marketed, much of the expansion in marketings thiswinter was in grain-fed cattle. More cattle were placed infeedlots after mid-1975 as a result of lower feed costs andfavorable prices cattlemen were receiving for their livestock.As beef production increased, processors' prices declined68.7 percent and retail prices fell 37.3 percent in the first3 months of 1976. According to the Department of Agri-culture, 6.3 million head of cattle were marketed in thefirst quarter of 1976; in the second quarter, cattlemenexpect to market 6 percent less. Cattle placed on feedduring the first quarter totaled 5.4 million head or 14 per-cent more than the very low level in the first quarter of1975. On April 1, feedlots in the 23 major feeding stateshad 10.8 million head of cattle—28 percent more than onApril 1, 1975, but still 12 percent less than on April 1,1974.
In the first quarter of 1976,live and processed poultryprices also moved down sharply—by more than 40percent—and retail prices declined 34 percent. Poultryproduction was increased in late 1975 as a result of lower
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Table C. Quarterly percent change in wholesale and retail prices for consumer goods and services,
1975-76
Goods and services Index
Compound annual rate, seasonally adjusted, for 3 months ending—
1975
March June September December
1976
March
Consumer goods
Food
Commodities less food . . . .
Nondurables less food .
Apparel less footwear
Footwear
Gasoline 2
Fuel oil
Tobacco products. . .
Durables 1
New cars
Furniture
Appliances includingradio and TV . . . . .
ServicesRentHousehold less rent.Medical careTransportationOther services
CPIWPICPIWPICPIWPICPIWPICPIWPICPIWPICPIWPICPIWPICPIWPICPIWPICPIWPICPIWPI
CPIWPI
CPICPICPICPICPICPI
5.1-4.4
.5-14.3
8.03.54.12.3- .6
.34.91.7
-3.7-3.4-7.5
-25.47.16.4
13.66.1
9.33.76.32.8
7.56.1
9.35.2
10.314.56.77.2
6.913.99.7
28.75.34.14.95.4
- . 3-3.5
- . 33.3
17.023.014.513.8
.3- . 86.31.2.3
1.87.4
-1.1
4.24.2
6.84.58.49.25.53.2
7.810.78.0
11.27.5
10.78.2
14.44.1.9
1.47.6
30.072.728.842.4
2.12.76.24.46.13.73.93.6
4.52.4
7.44.84.9
10.516.75.7
5.95.68.3
.94.39.34.29.53.26.84.23.82.7
13.12.1
31.66.6
26.44.49.2
14.415.74.78.7
3.74.5
9.36.59.37.2
18.95.6
-1.2-7.8-7.9
-20.52.9.5.8
- . 92.39.84.57.1
-17.7-26.7-8.1
-21.58.2
.86.93.42.42.63.84.1
5.42.0
10.65.59.1
14.021.1
7.9
Includes items not listed. CPI includes motor oil. Also see note on Gasoline, p. 6).
feed costs and higher chicken prices in late summerand early fall. The downtrend in hog and wholesale porkprices, which began in the fourth quarter of 1975, continueduntil late in the first quarter. The declines were primarilydue to consumer resistance to high prices and abundantsupplies of beef and poultry. The upturn late in the quarterwas due to smaller supplies of marketable hogs. Althougha record corn crop was predicted for 1975-76, hog pro-ducers were cautious about increasing pig crops last fall.However, a report released by the Department of Agriculturein mid-March indicated that the 14 major hog-producingStates expected a 12-percent increase in the December1975-May 1976 pig crop compared with a year earlier. Thiswould be the first year-to-year increase in 5 years.
After rising sharply in the second half of 1975, milkprices at the farm level and processors' prices for dairy
products turned down in the first quarter of 1976. Retailprices for dairy products continued to rise, but at a slowerrate. Prices of milk used by processors declined due to in-creased milk output with higher butterfat content, com-bined with reduced demand for processed dairy products.Butter prices fell substantially.
Prices for margarine, as well as for all types of fats andoil products, continued to decline in the first quarter dueto surplus soybean supplies, price competition from foreignoils such as palm oil, and a sluggish export market. Amplesupplies resulted in lower prices for other foods such aseggs, fresh vegetables, and canned and frozen fruits andvegetables.
Adverse weather was partly responsible for price ad-vances for some farm products—notably grains, coffee,and fresh fruits. Banana prices increased as earthquakes
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in Guatemala created uncertainities about supplies. Coffeeprices continued to rise as supplies, already reduced byweather damage to the Brazilian crop last summer, registeredanother setback in February when earthquakes in Guatemaladisrupted shipping capabilities.
Grain prices, which declined during most of 1975, rosein the first 3 months of 1976. Wheat prices rose due to(1) weather damage to the 1976 winter crop in the South-western states; (2) the possibility of additional wheat salesto the Soviet Union because of weather damage to cropsthere. Corn prices also rose in the first quarter reflectingincreased demand. The increase in the price of corn, aswell as other grains such as barley and rye, was also due tolimited selling by farmers.
After declining steadily during 1975, sugar prices at thewholesale level increased for the quarter ending in March.The increase was due primarily to (1) higher prices forsugar cane which apparently reflected lowered estimates ofworld sugar production, especially in the Soviet Union, and(2) the holding back of supplies by sugar-producingcountries, such as the Dominican Republic and the Phil-ippines. Beet sugar prices, however, declined slightly duringthe first quarter as a result of the large supplies on handfrom last year's record U.S. crop. Further downwardpressure was created when the Department of Agriculturereleased a prospective planting report which showed beetsugar acreage unchanged from last year. A reduction of atleast 10 percent had been expected. Sugar prices at theretail level continued to decline in the first quarter, but ata slower pace than in the fourth quarter of 1975.
Consumer goods other than food
The CPI for consumer goods other than food rose at anannual rate of 2.9 percent during the 3 months ending inMarch 1976. The WPI for consumer finished goods otherthan food rose at a 0.5 percent annual rate. The slowdownwas primarily due to declines in gasoline and fuel oil prices.
Large inventories led to a sharp decline in gasolineprices in the first quarter despite an uptrend in demand.Many areas experienced "gas wars" as major oil companiestried to maintain market and gallonage. Fuel oil prices alsodeclined sharply in the first quarter chiefly due to abnor-mally warm winter weather in major fuel-consuming areas.
Retail prices for most consumer goods other than foodand fuels increased in the first quarter. Prices for apparel,footwear, furniture, and appliances rose at a moderate ratereflecting small increases at the manufacturers' level lastsummer and fall. Although the demand for consumer goodshas been rising, outlays for most items—except autos—rose at a considerably slower rate in the first quarter of1976 than in the spring and summer of 1975. Outlays(in constant dollars) for apparel and footwear rose at abouta 4-percent rate in the first quarter, compared with almost16 percent in the second quarter of 1975. Outlays forfurniture and other household durables increased at about
a 1.6-percent rate in the first quarter of this year comparedwith 18 percent in the second quarter of 1975.
New car prices also rose moderately in the first quarter,after large increases in the fourth quarter when 1976 modelswere introduced. Auto sales rose sharply in the firstquarter—continuing the recovery which began in the springof 1975. But, contrary to manufacturers' expectations fora rapid growth in small car sales, consumers have showna preference for larger cars. Thus, prices rose for somelarger models in short supply, while rebate programs wereinitiated to promote sales of smaller cars. Used car prices,which declined in late 1975, rose sharply in the first quarterin response to strong demand for clean, standard size cars.
Reflecting earlier increases in prices at the manufacturers'level, price rises accelerated for some consumer goods suchas floor coverings, tobacco products, textile housefurnish-ings, and housekeeping supplies.
The WPI for new cars, furniture, appliances, and tobaccoproducts increased at a slower rate in the first quarter thanin the last quarter of 1975, but apparel and footwear pricerises accelerated (table C).
Consumer services
Charges for consumer services continued to rise rapidlyin the first quarter of 1976. The rise began acceleratingafter mid-1975; service charges rose at a rate of 10.6 per-cent in the first quarter of 1976 compared with 9.3 percentin the previous quarter. Indexes for medical care, trans-portation, and various other services rose at a faster rate inthe first quarter and rent and household services other thanrent increased at about the same rate as in the previousquarter (table C).
In the first quarter, transportation services increased21.1 percent—more rapidly than in the two final quartersof 1975. Additional increases in auto insurance rates dur-ing the first quarter accounted for about three-fourths ofthe increase in the transportation services index. Rates forauto insurance have risen at annual rates of 10.2, 54.4, and55.0 percent in the last three quarters. The rapid rise inauto repair parts as well as labor charges have had a sub-stantial impact on auto insurance rates. The auto repairsand maintenance index in the CPI, which represents con-sumers direct out-of-pocket expenses for auto repairs andmaintenance, rose at a rate of 9.3 percent in the firstquarter compared with 8.5 percent in the fourth quarter of1975. Among the public transportation groups, airline faresrose again in the first quarter after a 2.2-percent rateincrease on November 15, 1975. Increases for localtransit fares were also larger in the first quarter but intercitybus and railroad fares registered smaller increases than inthe final quarter of 1975.
During the first quarter, the index for medical careservices rose at the sharpest rate in more than a year. Therate of advance had slowed during the fourth quarter of1975 reflecting to a large extent the impact of the annualadjustment to the CPI health insurance component. In
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the March quarter, physicians' fees increased at a 14.2-percent rate—about the same as in the previous quarter—but hospital services jumped significantly. Increases in semi-private room rates and laboratory tests, as well as variousdrugs prescribed in hospitals, were more than double theincreases in the fourth quarter. Spiraling operating costs andhigher malpractice insurance premiums were cited as thereasons for the significant increases.
Despite first-quarter declines in mortgage interest ratesand smaller increases in property taxes and natural gas andelectricity rates, the household services index continued toincrease rapidly because of higher charges for propertyinsurance and housekeeping services. Property insurancerates, which had averaged about an 8.0-percent increase ineach quarter of 1975, jumped to a rate of 14.3 percent inthe first quarter of 1976. Many insurance companiesraised rates to cover increases in claims. Replacement costshave risen because of increases in material prices, such aslumber, concrete, plumbing fixtures, and general millworkduring the last 3 years. Charges for nearly all types ofhousekeeping services accelerated in the March quarter.Postal rates rose significantly, reflecting the increase infirst class and parcel post rates. The increase in the minimumwage on January 1 contributed to increased charges fordomestic services, baby sitters, and laundry flatwork.Smaller increases for natural gas and declines in electricityrates helped to offset the increase for other householdservices in the first quarter. Electricity rates declined as thesurplus of petroleum for energy production caused fuelprices to be adjusted downward in some areas. In addition,some electricity producers have encountered new legislationwhich attempts to limit the pass-through of changes in fuelcosts. Property taxes, which had increased nearly 15.0 per-cent in the final quarter of 1975, rose only about one-thirdas much in the first quarter of 1976.
During the first quarter of 1976, the index for mortgageinterest rates declined at a 4.6-percent rate, the first de-cline since mid-1975. After increasing significantly in thefinal quarter of 1975, conventional rates began falling earlyin 1976 and VA- and FHA- insured rates followed later inthe first quarter. Supplies of lendable funds increased in thefirst quarter as the flow of new savings received by savingsand loan institutions reached a record in January. Further-more, despite renewed interest in real estate, demand formortgage funds remained weak in many areas partly becauseof competition from bond markets.
The CPI for rent increased at a 5.5-percent rate, orslightly less than the 6.5 percent rate in the final quarter of1975. Strong demand in many large metropolitan areas foravailable units resulted in low rental vacancy rates. Land-lords continued to press for higher rents to cover risingoperating costs.
Prices for most other services in the CPI also rose at afaster rate in the first quarter of 1976 than in the final
quarter of 1975. Increases in charges for recreationalservices, personal care, and apparel services were larger inthe March quarter.
Industrial materials
Changes in materials costs are an important factoraffecting manufacturers' prices of finished goods and,therefore, prices consumers pay for goods and some services.Price rises for industrial commodities at the intermediatestage of production—just below the finished goods level—decelerated sharply from mid-1974 to mid-1975. In thesecond half of 1975, with economic recovery underway,prices of these commodities rose at 5.8 percent rate in thethird quarter and 12.1 percent in the fourth. In the firstquarter of 1976, price rises slowed to a 3.7-percent rate.This slowdown may have reflected in part a more moderaterate of economic expansion in late 1975 than earlier in theyear; also the rise in crude materials prices slowed in late1975 (table B).
Prices of steel mill products averaged unchanged in thefirst quarter, after a large increase in the last quarter of1975. Prices rose for some steel products due to increaseddemand from automobile and appliance manufacturers.Weak demand particularly in the capital goods sectorcaused some prices to decline. Prices for refined petroleumproducts declined and price increases were smaller than inthe fourth quarter for petroleum-based products such asplastic materials, chemicals, and synthetic rubber partlybecause of lower prices for crude oil. Prices of textileproducts also increased at a slower rate in the first quarterreflecting primarily falling demand for double-knit fabrics.
Leather prices, however, continued to advance rapidlyin response to higher prices for hides and skins and increaseddemand from manufacturers of footwear and leathergarments. The rise in prices of construction materialsaccelerated as the construction outlook continued to im-prove. Higher prices for some nonferrous metals and fabri-cated metal products resulted from the higher level ofhousing starts and increased demand for consumer goods.
The WPI for raw industrial materials increased at a 1.9-percent rate in the 3 months ending in March, a smallerrise than in any of the three preceding quarters. The slow-down was primarily due to lower prices for crude petroleum(which accounts for almost one-third of the weight of theraw industrials component). Prices of fertilizer materialscontinued to decline in the first quarter because of excesssupplies, but prices of other raw industrial materials rose.Iron and steel scrap and nonferrous scrap prices turned upas mills increased the level of their inventories at the sametime that they stepped up regular purchases to meet ex-panding production needs. Prices for crude rubber andwastepaper continued to rise at rapid rates.
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Announcement of Changes in Gasoline Price Data
Effective with release of the March 1976 CPI, the Bureau of Labor Statisticshas begun publication of indexes and average prices for unleaded regulargasoline. Separate indexes and average prices will now be available for regularunleaded, regular leaded, and premium gasoline for the U.S. city average andseparately for 23 metropolitan areas. In order to facilitate comparisons amongindexes for the several types of gasoline, each has been put on a January1967=100 reference base effective with the release of the Consumer PriceIndex for March. For the convenience of users, the historical index seriesfor regular leaded and premium gasoline on the new base appear in tables 11and 12 of this bulletin. It should be noted that rebasing does not indicate achange in price levels, but simply a change in the point of time from whichprice changes are measured.
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SEMI-LOG
190
170
150
130
110
90
RRITH.SCflLE
8
6
4
2
0
flRITH.SCALE8
Chart 1. All items index and rates of change, 1967-76(1967=100)
CPI flLL ITEMS INDEX(NOT SEflSONflLLY flDJUSTED)
PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 1-MONTH SPflN(SEflSONflLLY flDJUSTEO)
PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 3-MONTH SPflN(RNNUflL RflTE, SEflSONflLLY flDJUSTED)
PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 6-MONTH SPRN(flNNUflL RflTE, SEflSONflLLY flOJUSTED)
PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 12-MONTH SPflN 1/
. . I . , ! . , , , ! , , I , , I I , , ! , , ! ,
MAR167.5
MflR
v •
MflR2 . 9
\
MflR5 . 1
MflR6 . 1
1 .41.21.00.80.60.40.20.0
-0.2
flRITH.SCflLE
1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976
1 / Computed from the unadjus ted s e r i e s .UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABORBUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
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Chart 2. Commodities less food index and rates of change, 1967-76(1967=100)
190
170
150
130
110
90
6
4
2
0
-2
mi-
CPI COMMODITIES LESS FOOD INDEX(SEflSONflLLY ADJUSTED)
PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 1-MONTH SPflN{SEflSONflLLY flDJUSTEO)
PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 3-MONTH SPflN(flNNUflL RflTE. SEflSONflLLY flDJUSTEO)
PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 6-MONTH SPflN(flNNUflL RflTE. SEflSONflLLY flDJUSTED)
PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 12-MONTH SPflNjV
1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976
1/ Computed from t h e unadjus ted s e r i e s .UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABORBUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
8
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Chart 3. Total food index and rates of change, 1967-761967=100)
Fdll —3.22.82.42.01.61.20.80.40.0
-0.4-0.8
6
12
8
4
0
-4
CPI TOTflL FOOD INDEX{SEflSONflLLY flDJUSTEO)
PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 1-MONTH SPfl(SEflSONflLLY RDJUSTED
flRITH.SCflLE
24PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 3-MONTH SPflN(flNNUflL RflTE, SEflSONflLLY flOJUSTED)
PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 6-MONTH SPflN(flNNUflL RflTE. SEflSONflLLY flDJUSTEO)
PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 12-MONTH SPflN±
1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976
1 / Computed from t h e unadjus ted s e r i e s .UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABORBUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
9
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Chart 4. Services index and rates of change, 1967-76(1967=100)
SEMI-LOG
190
170
150
130
110
90
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
CPI SERVICES INDEX(SEflSONflLLY flDJUSTED)
PERCENT CHflNGE OVER( 1-MONTH SPfl'(dEflSONflLLY RDJUSTED)
PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 3-MONTH SPflNflNNUflL RATE, SEflSONflLLY flDJUSTED)
PERCENT CHflNGE OVER 6-MONTH SPflN(flNNUflL RflTE. SEflSONflLLY flDJUSTED)
OVER 12-MONTH SPflNl
. i . . i . . i . . . . i . . I . . i . . . . i . . I . . i . .
1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976
1/ Computed from the unadjusted series.UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABORBUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
10
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Table 1. CPI -U.S. city average, by commodity and service group and expenditure class
(Consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers, 1967-100)
Relativeimportance
December1975
Unadjusted indexes
February1976 '
March1976
Unadjustedpercent change to
March1975
February1976
Seasonally adjustedpercent change from—
December to January to February toJanuary February March
Commodity and service groups
All items
All items (1957-59=100)
Commodities
FoodFood at home
Cereals and bakery productsMeats, poultry, and fishDairy productsFruits and vegetablesOther foods at home
Food away from homeCommodities less food
Nondurables less foodApparel commodities
Men's and boys'Women's and girls'Footwear
Other apparel commodities
Nondurables less food and apparel . . . .
Gasoline and motor oil
Tobacco productsAlcoholic beverages
Fuel oil and coalOther nondurables
Durable commoditiesHousehold durablesNew automobilesUsed automobilesOther durables
ServicesRentServices less rent
Household services less rentTransportation servicesMedical care servicesOther services
Special indexes:All items less foodNondurable commoditiesApparel commodities less footwearServices less medical care servicesInsurance and financeUtilities and public transportationHousekeeping and home maintenance service . .Appliances (including radio and TV)
All items
Food
HousingShelterl
RentHomeownership2
Fuel and utilities 3
Gas and electricityHousehold furnishings and operation
Apparel and upkeep
TransportationPrivatePublic
Health and recreationMedical carePersonal careReading and recreationOther goods and services
Special indexes:All items less shelterAll items less medical careAll items less mortgage interest costsCPI - domestically produced farm foodsCPI - selected beef cuts 5
Purchasing power of consumer dollar:1967=S1.OO ."
1957-59= $1.00
100.000
63.355
24.19.2.6.2.3.4.5.
38.22.7.2.3.1..
15.3.1.2.1.
it4127
36. 6454.49732.14716.0305.0125.6425.463
75.32547.5476.485
31. 0029.8085.4844.6491.417
675524702641876103202150
681872861475426377
.584011498880244045m495910046358
100.000
24.675
33.99821.3704.49716.4845.2052.7227.422
9.21713.05311.7291.324
18.6816.4132.5055. 1484.616
78.63093.58795.61017. 1482.056
167. 1194.4
162. 3
180.0179.6181. 1183.0168.5173.2186.6181.9
152.7155.2142.2143.9138.2146. 1150.2162.9173. 1159.2144.4249.4
\m144.0134.3144.9158.7176. 1142. 1182.2194.4168.9190.4157.4
163.4167.2141.4173.8193.5167.2203.9121.8
167. 1
180.0
173.8176. 0142. 1188.6177.9181.9165.2
144.0
158.5157.2170.4
159.7178.8157.0148.5151.3
164.9166.5164.9176.9169.4
$0,598.514
167.5194.8
162. 3
178.7177.7180.6180.2167.9173.6182.9182.8
153.3155.5143. 1145.4138.5147.5150.9162.8170.9159.5145.2247.6157. 7150.4144.8134.5150.9159.0
177.2142.7183.4195. 1171. 1192.5158.4
164.2166.7142.2174.8194. 1168.7205.6122. 1
6. 1
4. 7
4.33.7
-4.511.48.03.7
-3.86.75.04.52.32.91.82.41.85.66.54.22.78.5
H4.75.7
11.55. 18.65.39.07.9
15.410.25.5
6.74.42.28.3
10.010.88.24.4
0.2
-.7- 1 . 1-.3
-1.5-.4.2
-2.0.5
. 4
.2
.61.0.2
1.0.5
- . 1-1 .3
.2
.6- . 7
: *.6. 1
4. 1.2
. 6
.4
.7
.41.31. 1.6
.5- . 3
.6
.6
.3
.9
0.4
. 1
- . 2- . 4
.8-2.22.2- . 30
.8
.2
.2
.4
.5
.8- . 4.4. 1
-1.61. 1.4
-1.4
.3- . 2
.4* . 4
1. 1.3
1.21.02.21.2.8
* . 3* - . 2
.6• 1.0
1.8- . 2
*1 .9.5
Expenditure classes
167.5
178.7
174.5176.3142.7188.7178.9183.7166.6
145.0
159.8158.5172.3
160.6180.6157.4149.0151.8
165.3166.8165.3174.8165.4
$0,597.513
6. 1
4.3
6.75. 85.35.99.8
12.07. 1
2.910.410. 113. 1
6.39.75.74.93.6
6.25.96.23.79. 1
-5 .8
0.2
- . 7
.4
.2
.4
. 1
.61.0
.81. 1
.61.0.3.3.3
.2
.2
.2-1 .2-2.4
- . 2
0.4
- . 2
* . 6* . 5
.3* . 5- . 4- . 61.5
.6
.3
.3
.4
*. 7* 1 . 1
*. 7.5. 7
* . 2* . 2* . 2.
* - . 2* . 4
0. 1
- . 2
-1 .0-1 .5-1 .3- 3 . 1
- . 6-1 .7
.2
.8
.3
. 1
.21.0- . 81.0
. 10
-1 .5.7. 1
- . 6
. 7
.52. 7
* - . 1
.7
.6
.8
. 61.31. 1.5
*.5* - . 1
- . 1* . 6
.6
.7* . 5
.5
0. 1
-1.0
*.3*. 1
.6*'-. 1
.31. 11.0
.91.0
. 1*.7
•1 .2*.8
.3
.5
* . 3* . 2* . 3
* - . 9*-4 . 1
0.2
- . 2
- . 8-1.2
- . 6-2 . 1
- . 3- . 5
- 1 . 1.5
.3- . 10
.3- . 4.5.3
- . 1-1 .7
.2
.7- . 1
. 3
.33.8* . 2
.7
.4
.8
.61.31.0.6
* . 5* - . 3
. 1* . 6
. 7
.9* . 8
.3
0.2
- . 8
*.4*.2
.4*. 1
.81. 1.7
.3
.4
.41.3
* . 6*1 .0
* . 3.4.3
*.2*. 2*.2
*-1.2*-2.4
1 Also includes hotel and motel rates not shown separately.2 Includes home purchase, mortgage interest, taxes, insurance, and maintenance and repairs.3 Also includes residential telephone, fuel oil, coal, water, and sewerage services not shown separately.4 Calculated from the CPI food at home component by excluding fish, nonalcoholic beverages,
bananas, chocolate candy bars, chocolate syrup and about half of the index weight for sugar.
5 Calculated from the CPI beef and veal component by excluding veal cutlets and beef liver.* Not seasonally adjusted.
NOTE: Index applies to month as a whole, not to any specific date.
11
Digitized for FRASER http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/ Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table 2. CPI—seasonally adjusted U.S. city average, by commodity and service group and expenditure class
(Consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers, 1967=100)
Group
Seasonally adjusted indexes
December1975
January (February1976 1976
March1976
Seasonally adjusted annual ratepercent change for
3 months ending in
June ISepteml1975 1975
tberpec5 T 1
ember1975
March1976
6 months ending in
September March1975 1976
All items
Commodities
FoodFood at home
Cereals and bakery productsMeats, poultry, and fishDairy productsFruits and vegetablesOther foods at home
Food away from home
Commodities less food
Nondurables less foodApparel commodities '
Men's and boys'Women's and girls'FootwearOther apparel commodities1
Nondurables less food and apparelGasoline and motor oilTobacco productsAlcoholic beveragesFuel oil and coalOther nondurables
Durable commoditiesHousehold durablesNew automobilesUsed automobilesOther durables (not seasonally adjusted)
Services (not seasonally adjusted)Rent (not seasonally adjusted)Services less rent (not seasonally adjusted)
Household services less rentTransportation servicesMedical care servicesOther services (not seasonally adjusted)
Special indexes:All items less food (not seasonally adjusted)Nondurable commodities (not seasonally adjusted)Apparel commodities less footwearServices less medical care services (not seasonally adjusted)Insurance and financeUtilities and public transportationHousekeeping and home maintenance service (not seasonally adjusted)Appliances (including radio and TV)
All items
Food
Housing (not seasonally adjusted)Shelter' (not seasonally adjusted)
Rent (not seasonally adjusted)Homeownership 2 (not seasonally adjusted)
Fuel and utilities 3
Gas and electricityHousehold furnishings and operation
Apparel and upkeep
TransportationPrivatePublic
Health and recreation (not seasonally adjusted)
Medical care (not seasonally adjusted)Personal care (not seasonally adjusted)Reading and recreationOther goods and services
Special indexes:
All items less shelter (not seasonally adjusted)All items less medical care (not seasonally adjusted)All items less mortgage interest costs (not seasonally adjusted)CPI - domestically produced farm foods (not seasonally adjusted)CPI — selected beef cuts (not seasonally adjusted)5
Commodity and service groups
162.9181.6182. 1180.6192.9164. 1177.8183.4179.5152.8
155.3142.7143.5139.7145.9150.0162.8179. 1156. 7143.5247.5155.3149.2143.2133.4149.4158. 1172.8140.7178.5191. 1163. 1186. 1155.6
162. 1167.6142. 1171. 1188.3165.6199.0120.6
181.6172.2175.0140.7187.8176.3179.6162.0
144. 1
158.3157.0169.0
157.5174.7154.6147.6149.7
164. 1165.8164.0178.8175.9
163. 1181.2181.4182.0188.6167.7177.2183.4180.9153. 1
155.6143.3144.2140.8145.3150.6162.9176.2158.4144. 1244.0156.5149. 7143.7133. 1150.5158.8174.7141. 1180.7193. 1166.7188.4156.8
162.6167.3143.0172.8191.7165.3202.8121.2
162.7179.4178.6179.7182.8166.7174.2183.8182.4153.5
155.7143.6145.6139.7146.7150.8162.9173.6159.5144.3242.6157.4150.6144.7133.8154. 1158. 7176.0142.0182. 1194.2168.9190.4157.6
163.4167.2142.8173.8192.9166.4203.9121.8
162.4177.9176.5178.6178.9166.2173.4181.8183. 3153.9155.6143.6146.0139.2147.5151.2162. 7170.6159.8145.3242. 3158.0151.7145.2134.2159.9159.0177.2142.6183.5195.3171. 1192.3158.6
164.2166.7142.9174.8194.3167.9205.6122.2
181.2173.2175.9141. 1 I188.8175.6178.6164.4145.0
158. 7157.4169.7
158.6176.6155.7148. 3150.7
164.4166.2164.4178.5176.6
179.4173.8176.0142.0188.6176. 1180.5166.0
145.0
160. 1158.9169.9159.7178.8157.0148.8151.5
164.9166.5164.9176.9169.4
177.9174.5176.3142.6188.7177.5182.4167. 1
145.4
160.8159.5172. 1
160.6180.6157.4149.4152.0
165.3166.8165.3174.8165.4
7.06.99.7
11.3-1.952.2
03.6
-12.33.85.3
4.9-.6
-1.4.3
- .307.5
17.0.3
2.314.56.36.33.8.3
2.89.96.84.57. 18.45.59.23.2
7.26.9- .35.88.4
11.86.04.2
7.47.88.08.2
-4.920.711.98.8
-3.07. 17.58.23.83.25. 11.41.9
10.930.0
2. 1. 3
28.84.96.23.86. 1
19.34.77.44.87. 74.9
16.710.55. 7
7.67.64. 18. 12.9
18.67.24.5
7.3
5.98.38.6
-6.813.015.813.44.37.24.3
4.23. 13. 13.24.22.24.82.76.63. 12. 16.44.45.5
14.4-3.7
3.69.36.59.79.3
18.97.25.6
6.75.43.2
10.515.37.35.63.7
2.9 7.2
-1.2 ! 7.4-7.9
-11.7-4.4
-26.05.2
-9.5-3.48.72.9
2.57.2
-1.44.53.2- .2
-17.78.25. 1
-8 . 17. 16.95.72.4
31.22.3
10.65.5
11.79. 1
21. 114.07.9
5.3-2. 12.38.9
13.45.7
13.95.4
8.99.7
-3.435.65.86.2
-7.85.46.46.61.6.8
2.6.6.9
9.223.3
1.21.3
21.55.66.23.83.2
10.77.37. 14.67.46.6
10.99.94.4
7.47.31.96.95.6
15.26.64.3
Expenditure classes
7.09.77.06.94.57.4
13.516.75.0
8.29. 15. 1
5.78.83.84.01.9
7.47.37.7
10.9
7.48.06. 15.34.85.6
14. 115.24.64.0
19.916.945.0
5.910. 14.95. 11.4
8.37.47.88.31.4
7.38.3
8.08.26.58.89. 19.95.9
3.7
7.48.0-O2
5.55.96.75.35.0
6.36.56. 15.65.3
2.9
-7.95.53.05.51.92.86.4
13.23.7
6.56.57.5
8. 114.27.45.06.3
3.02.43.2
-8.7-21.8
7.28.9
6.66. 14 .66.5
13.815.94.8
2.0
13.913.023.4
5.89.44.34.51.6
7.97.47.79.6
38.3
5. 1
2.3- . 1
-2. 1-5.6-8.610.4
1.3.3
8.03.62.52.85. 1
.94.32.72.2
-8.07.44. 1
- 3 . 16.85.65.68.2
12.43.09.96.0
10.79.2
20.010.56.8
6.01.62.79.7
14.36.59.74.6
-. 16.75.66.05.35.98. 19.5
3.7
6.97.33.6
6.810.07. 15. 15.6
4.64.54.6
-1.8-13.9
Also includes hotel and motel rates not shown.Includes home purchase, mortgage interest, taxes, insurance, and maintenence and repairs.Also includes residential telephone, fuel oil, coal, water, and sewerage services not shown separately.Calculated from the CPI food at home component by excluding fish, nonalcoholic beverages, bananas,
chocolate candy bars, chocolate syrup and about half of the index weight for sugar.5 Calculated from the CPI beef and veal component by excluding veal cutlets and beef liver.
NOTE: Index applies to month as a whole, not to any specific date.
12
Digitized for FRASER http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/ Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table 3. CPI-food items, U.S. city average
(Consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers, 1967=100}
Unadjusted! Seasonally
adjusted
Percent change to March 1976f rom—
adjusted
Item and group
Percent change to March 1976from—
FoodFood away from home
Restaurant mealsSnacks
Food at homeCereals and bakery products
FlourCracker mealCorn flakesRiceBread, whiteBread, whole wheatCookiesLayer cakeCinnamon rolls
Meats, poultry, and fishMeats
Beef and vealSteak, roundSteak, sirloinSteak, porterhouseRump roastRib roastChuck roastHamburgerBeef liverVeal cutlets
PorkChopsLoin roastSausageHam, wholePicnicsBacon
Other meatsLamb chopsFrankfurtersHam, cannedBologna sausageSalami sausageLiverwurst
PoultryFrying chickenChicken breastsTurkey
FishShrimp, frozenFish, fresh or frozenTuna fish, cannedSardines, canned
Dairy productsMilk, fresh, groceryMilk, fresh, skimMilk, evaporatedIce creamCheese, American process . . . .Butter
Fruits and vegetablesFresh fruits and vegetables . . .
Fresh fruitsApplesBananas
178. 7182. 8181. 8187. 8177. 7180. 6157.3223.6166. 1203.4162.2175.3188. 5185. 7194. 5180.2179. 6164. 7164. 7160.5175. 1161.2186. 6169. 7159.9132.3186.7204.3189.3207.6226. 7203. 7200.3209. 5177.7177. 6169. 6210. 2174. 2166.0168. 0157. 7160.5160.5142. 0219. 3213.3234.4182. 8245. 1167. 9160. 7176.5203.3156. 7196. 6142. 9173. 6165.2148. 1141. 5151.6
177. 9183.4
(')188.4176.5178.6153. 6221. 2166. 1198. 6
(l)174.4
(')184. 0193.9178. 9176. 3160.8159.4158. 6174. 8156.7184.6161. 9155.4131.4185.0202.3187.4203. 1225.3199.9195.4209. 5176.6175. 8167. 9206. 7173. 5166.2168. 0157.9160. 5161. 0142.4
181. 9245.3166.2158. 5174.4
155. 9194. 5142. 9173.4165. 7157.4151. 0157. 9
4,36. 76. 76. 83. 7
-4. 5-7. 7-3.3
- . 5-7.4-5.6
-.6-5. 3-4. 7-4. 111.412. 57.47. 8
11. 717.65.9
14.29.36.5
-8.4. 8
19. 818. 824. 819.423.225.314.411.99.6
11.026.2
7. 97.58. 13.93. 56.62.7
11. 330. 7
8. 12.37.38.04. 85.5
11. 32.9
16.523. 9
3. 73.3
-3 . 5-5 .42. 9
-0. 7. 5. 6. 3
- 1 . 1-. 3-'.3-.20- . 9. 1
-. 6-. 7. 1
- . 4- 1 . 5- 1 . 8-2. 1- 2 . 9-2 . 8- 2 . 7-2 . 5-3 .9-2 . 5- 1 . 1
- . 9- . 3
-2 .0- . 5-. 8
-3 .3- 1 . 7-3.0-3.2
-.6-.4-.2
- 1 . 0-. 9. 2
-1.2-1.3- 1 . 0-2.3-2.001. 1-. 7.2
- .4- .40. 7. 8
- 1 . 0-1.2-4.4
.2
. 51.33. 10
-0 . 8. 5
n. 5
-1.2- .6
- 1 . 1- 1 . 3
. 4- . 5( !)- . 7-. 8. 1
-2. 1-3 . 3-4. 7-4. 8-5. 0-3.5-4.0-5.2-5.2-4. 5-2.4- 1 . 8- 1 . 5
-. 1-2.2-4.0- 1 . 6-4.4-1.6-1.0-1.2- 1 . 8- 1 . 1-1.6
-.4- 1 . 02. 7
-3 . 3-3 .6- 3 . 9
. 1- .2- .3- .2. 5
- 1 . 0- .9
-3 . 7-. 5
- 1 . 11. 72.6
. 6
Food—ContinuedFood at home—Continued
Fruits and vegetables—ContinuedFresh fruits and vegetables—Continued
Fresh fruits—ContinuedOrangesOrange juice, freshGrapefruitGrapesStrawberriesWatermelon
Fresh vegetablesPotatoesOnionsAsparagusCabbageCarrotsCeleryCucumbersLettucePeppers, greenSpinachTomatoes
Processed fruits and vegetablesFruit cocktail, cannedPears, cannedPineapple-grapefruit drink,
cannedOrange juice concentrate, frozenLemonade concentrate, frozenBeets, cannedPeas, green, cannedTomatoes, cannedDried beansBroccoli, frozen
Other food at homeEggsFats and oils:
MargarineSalad dressing, ItalianSalad or cooking oil
Sugar and sweetsSugarGrape jellyChocolate barSyrup, chocolate flavored
Nonalcoholic beveragesCoffeeCoffee, instantTeaCarbonated drink, cola flavored . . . .Carbonated drink, fruit flavored . . . .
Prepared and partially preparedfoods
Bean soup,cannedChicken soup, cannedSpaghetti, cannedMashed potatoes, instantPotatoes, french fried, frozenBaby foodsSweet pickle relishPretzels
143. 8151.2136.4
(2)0(2)
179. 1211.2170. 6210. 9155. 1146.4189.4195. 1138. 5161.5188.3162. 2186. 1174.2157. 9
173. 6158. 9191. 01 85. 2157.4177. 1311. 1155.4182.9160.4175. 0191.3152. 9182. 1222.4210.4222. 9240.4213. 9193. 0202. 1205. 8147. 7192. 8197. 4
167.3206.5134. 3160. 1154. 3176. 1162.3183. 8159. 9
149. 5
153.8
172.5213. 5169. 8176. 3146.5143.4192. 3149. 7
156. 5186.6152.0184. 8173. 7157.7
173. 6
189. 5O
156. 8
181. 8158. 7173.3189.2151. 8180. 7
8208. 7
206.6147. 3
C)133. 8160. 6154. 9177. 7
180.4159. 7
-1.84.0
-4.2
8.447. 835.7-3.2-2.3
-18.633. 7
-17. 3-6.2
-10. 03. 9
-7 . 64. 1
-2.5-5. 1
2. 14.21. 5
-2. 3-3.01.7
31.21. 1
-3.84. 5
-17.9-23. 1
-3.0-22.3-17.5-48.8
-3. 8. 7
-1.28. 5
20. 918. 73. 8
-8 .0-6 .0
1.69.5-. 7
- 1 . 4-1.23.9
. 65.7
-5 .2
0.5. 1
-.2
-. 1-1.4-8.3
(2)-8.2-3.0
-15.416. 5-2.52. 7
-2.26. 0-. 2-. 5
- 1 . 0
.6- .2.2
- .2- .5- .4. 9
- 1 . 1-2.0
•13.3-1.4-1.5
-. 1-2. 2
-. 7-. 8- .6-. 6-. 8. 7
1. 51.2-. 5- .60
-. 1. 5
1. 0-2. 1- 1 . 0
-. 7. 7. 9
-. 1
0.3
. 12
( )-2. 8-5. 7
-14.9(2)
-11. 5-3. 6
-13.57.0
3.3- 1 . 610.4
- .5-. 5-. 9
-. 1
o- . 2
n-6.9-2. 0-1.9
-. 7-3.2
n()o(*)- 1 . 6
1.3-. 7
-1.4-. 8
- 1 . 0
Priced only in season.
13
Digitized for FRASER http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/ Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table 4. C PI-nonfood commodities and services, U.S. city average
(Consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers, 1967-100)
Item and groupOtherindexbase
Mar. 70
Dec. 71Mar. 70Dec. 71
June 70
February1976
173.8176.0142. 1188.6143.7166.9139.2193.7164.6162.0149.4206.3
219.2226.8192.6204.3200.7177.9249.4245.6181.9191.8172.6
128. 1
182.8165.2148.5145.4158.5139.8144. 1172.2122.0135.4150.0
130.0139.6129.4133.5109.6138.4132g. 6
151.2134.3122.5160. 6162.9132.9137.9118.5
133.4
136.6144.0
128.7132.0
186.3182.2148.2157.0128.3
169.9215.9225.3
207.6204.2218. 1198.6
160.3195.7
axes
March1976
174.5176.3142.7188.7142.7167.2139.8194.7165.0160.9149.6207.6
220.3227.6194.2206. 1201.3178.9247.6243.8183.7193.6174.6
128.9
183.8166.6149.5147.4158.9143.6147.2174.4124. 1135.3151.0
131.4139.5129.9134.9112.4139.5132g. 5
151.7135.6123.7163.0163.4133.3139.2119.5
133.0
137. 1145.7
126.2133.0
188.4182.9148.0162.2128.4
173.0217.7226.7
209.2211.2218. 1200.2
161.2198.7
Percent change toMarch 1976 from—
March1975
6 . 75 . 85 . 35 . 907. 08 . 95 . 84 . 23 . 72 . 86 . 4
7 . 66 . 75 . 07 . 06.69 . 88 . 59 . 3
12.018. 1
6 . 5
4 . 5
10.77. 15 . 04 . 39 . 18. 1
. 23 . 42. 12 . 94 . 9
3 . 51.65 . 94 . 21.73.4 !3 . 4
2 . 55 . 54 . 69 . 64 . 95 . 77 . 74 . 0
5. 1
7 . 58 . 7
4. 15 . 0
10.36.62 . 88 . 96 . 6
8 . 18 . 0
13.6
8 . 213.824.4
8 . 9
6 . 37 . 8
February1976
0 . 4. 2. 4. 1
- . 7. 2. 4. 5. 2
- . 7. 1.6
.5
.4
.8
.9
. 3
.6- . 7- . 71.0
.91.2
.6
. 5
. 8
. 71.4
. 32 . 72 . 21.31.7- . 1
. 7
1. 1- . 1
. 41.02.6
.8
. 31.01.01.5
. 3
. 3
. 9
. 8
- . 3
. 41.2
-1.9. 8
1. 1. 4
- . 13 . 3
. 1
1.8. 8.6
.83 . 40
. 8
.61.5
HousingShelter '
Rent, residentialHomeownership a
Mortgage interest ratesProperty taxes . . . ,Property insurance premiumsMaintenance and repairs
Maintenance and repair commodities 3
Exterior house paintInterior house paint
Maintenance and repair servicesRepainting living and diningrooms
Reshingling house roofResiding houseReplacing sinkRepairing furnace
Fuel and utilitiesFuel oil and coal
Fuel oil, No. 2Gas and electricity
GasElectricity
Other utilities:Residential telephone servicesResidential water and sewerageservices
Household furnishings and operation 4
HousefurnishingsTextiles
Sheets, full, flatCurtains, tailoredBedspreads ;Drapery fabricsPillows, bedSlipcovers and throws, ready-made
Furniture and beddingBedroom furniture, chest anddresser
Sofas, upholsteredCocktail tablesDining room chairsRecliners, upholsteredSofas, dual purposeBedding, mattress and box springsAluminum folding chairsCribs
Floor coveringsBroadloom carpetingVinyl sheet goodsVinyl floor tile
Appliances (excluding radio and TV)Washing machines, electricVacuum cleanersRefrigerators, refrigerator-freezers,electric
Ranges, free standing, gas orelectric
Clothes dryers, electricAir conditioners, demountableRoom heaters, electric, portableGarbage disposal units
Other housefurnishings:Dinnerware, fine chinaFlatware, stainless steelTable lamps, with shadeLawn mowers, power, rotary typeElectric drills, hand-held
Housekeeping supplies:Laundry soaps and detergentsPaper napkinsToilet tissue
Housekeeping services:Domestic services, general
housework ,Baby sitter servicesPostal chargesLaundry, flatwork, finished serviceLicensed day care services, preschoolchild
Washing machine repairs
See footnotes at end of table.
14
Digitized for FRASER http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/ Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table 4. CPI—nonfood commodities and services, U.S. city average—Continued
(Consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers. 1967=100)
1Other
indexbase
j
June 74
Indexes
February1976
144.0142.2141.4143.9
144.8138.799.2
136.9117.7143.6155.8154.6128.0155.8133. 1158.0
111.9124.3182. 1152.3138.2
129. 0138.5136.0150.5148.4137. 7146.9122.3144.3131.2147.291.2
134. 0128.3166.7
127.8148.6129.9165.8131. 1137.7150.2183.3157.2138.7146. 1
147.6164.4
140.9131.8147.4143.8
146.9150.3157. 1
157. 0140.5160.5157.7145. 7
158.5157.2134.3144.9174.2158.0130.4185.6177.6132.8179.4
March1976
145.0143. 1142.2145.4
146. 0141.598.9
138.3120.4144.5157. 1154.4130.4158. 1133.8160.6
111.6123.8183.8155.0138.5
126.2134. 1132.4152.6149.0139.9146.9123.9147.8132.4148.091.9
133.9128.6167.9
128.2150.8131.6166.0130.7135.5150.9185.6157.9138.9147.5
150.8166.7
141.7132.4148.5144.6
149. 1150.5158.3
158.6142.5160.0158.9146.8
159.8158.5134.5150.9171.9158. 1130.2186.6182. 1132.8179.6
Percent change toMarch 1976 from—
March1975
2 . 92 . 32 . 22 . 9
4. 13 . 0
-2. 13. 71.91.33 . 82 . 03 . 02 . 64 . 64 . 8
2 . 64 . 36 . 41.91.8
4. 1
n-3.83. 1- . 9
-2.81.75 . 57 . 65. 15 . 902 . 3
. 5-2.0
- . 914. 1-2.3-1.2
4 . 3-2.9
1.83. 1
-2.54 . 22 . 4
1.95 . 2
1.9. 2
1.94 . 6
3 . 61.24. 1
6 . 87 . 95 . 84 . 45 . 7
10.410. 15 . 7
11.56 . 82 . 93 . 67 . 3
30.81.86 . 7
February1976
0 . 7! . 61 . 6! l . o
I - 8*2.0- . 3
! 1.0i 2.3
. 6
. 8- . 1
I 1 . 9: 1.5: .5
1.6
- . 3- . 4
.91.8
. 2
-2.2-3.2-2.6
1.4. 4
1.601.32 . 4
. 9
. 5
. 8- . 1
. 2
. 7
. 31.51.3. 1
- . 3-1.6
. 51.3
. 4
. 11.0
2 . 21.4
. 6
. 5
. 7
. 6
1.5. 1. 8
1.01.4- . 3
. 8
. 8
. 8
. 8
. 14. 1
-1.3. 1
- . 2. 5
2 . 50
. 1
Apparel and upkeepApparel commodities
Apparel commodities Jess footwearMen's and boys'
Men's:Topcoats and all-weather coats . .Suits, year round weightSport jacketsJackets, lightweightSlacks, heavyweightSlacks, lightweightTrousers, workShirts, workShirts, business or dressT-shirtsSocksHandkerchiefs
Boys':Coats, heavyweightSport coats, wool or wool blends . .DungareesUndershorts
Women's and girls'Women's:
Coats, heavyweightCarcoats, heavyweightSweatersSkirts, winter weightSkirts, summer weightBlousesDresses, street, year round weight .SlipsPantiesGirdlesBrassieresHose or panty hose, nylonAnklets or knee-length socksGloves, fabricHandbags
Girls':RaincoatsSkirts, fall and winterDressesSlacks, fall and winterSlipsHandbags
Other apparel commoditiesDiapersYard goodsWrist watches, men's and women's
FootwearMen's:
Shoes, streetShoes, work, high
Women's:Shoes, street, pumpShoes, evening, pumpShoes, casualHouseslippers, scuff
Children's:Shoes, oxfordSneakers, boys', oxford typeDress shoes, girls'
Apparel services:DrycleaningAutomatic laundry serviceLaundry, men's shirtsTailoring charges,Shoe repairs
TransportationPrivate?
Automobiles, newAutomobiles, usedGasoline, regular, premium and unleadedMotor oilTiresAuto repairs (mechanical) and maintenance? .Auto insurance premiumsAuto registration feesParking fees, private and municipal
See footnotes at end of table.
15
Digitized for FRASER http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/ Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table 4. CPI-nonfood commodities and services, U.S. city average-Continued
(Consumer price index for urban wage earner* and clerical worker*, 1967-100)
Item and groupOther
indexbase
Jan. 72
Jan. 72Jan. 72Jan. 72Jan. 72Jan. 72Jan. 72Jan. 72
Indexes
February1976
170.4170.4173.3158. 1165.6192.6
159.7178.8123.3135.4105.0137. 1119.4172.7128.6142.3113. 172. 1
160.0110.6132.0173. 1119.8120.5
(*)108.7
181.9187. 1184. 1183.0186.3161. 1161.3171.7168.2173.4166.9158.9
156.0154.9144. 1259.2263.2168.5137.3121.2127.3134. 1139.9144.4128.0157.0156.2136.3194.9160.0132.7160.2119.4213.4125.8157.8158.5157.3178.2158.7133. 1148.5126.0103. 1164.5104.894.9
124.095.3
120.9104.2
March1976
172.3172.3174.7161.5168.2192.6
160.6180.6.123.9136. 1104.8137.6119.4176.0129.3141.5113.772.4
160.8110.6133.3178. 1120. 1120.5
(*)109.4
184.3189.3185.6187.8189.0162.6164.3175. 1169.4174.7168. 1159.9
156.7 !158.0 !
145.4261.5265.9169.8140.8120.7 !128.0135.0141.7145.2129.4 !157.4155.8137. 1193.7159.9131. 1160.6116. 1214.3126.7159.0159.9158.5179.9160. 1133.4149.0126.2103. 1165.3105.295.5
124.095.4
122.0103. 1
Percent change toMarch 1976 from—
March1975
13.116.6
5 . 37 . 69 . 09 . 7
6 . 39 . 76. 16 . 73. 16 . 34 . 8
10.73 . 98 . 05 . 62 . 75 . 24 . 9
12.39 . 71.32 . 8(*)8 . 2
11.711.511.517.212.9
9 . 310.710.56.77. 16 . 56 . 2
6 . 76 . 7
13.214.814.312.211.711. 110.2
8 . 711.89 . 89 . 25 . 75. 16 . 5
-1.78 . 46. 16 . 5
-1.910.08 . 76 . 44 . 97 . 6
12.56 . 25 . 24 . 03 . 52 . 36.61.4
. 12. 11 .42 . 3- . 5
February1976
1. 11. 1
. 82 . 21.60
. 61.0
. 5
. 5- . 2
. 401.9
. 5- . 6
. 5
. 4
. 5. 0
1.02.9
. 30(*)
.6
1.31.2
. 82 . 61 .4. 9
1.92 . 0
. 7
. 7
. 7
. 6
. 42 . 0
. 9
. 91.0
. 82 . 5- . 4
. 5
. 71 .3. 6
1. 1. 3
- . 3. 6
- . 6- . 1
-1.2. 2
-2.8, 4. 7. 8. 9. 8
1 .0.9. 2. 3. 2
0. 5. 4.6
0. l. 9
-1.1
Transportation—ContinuedPublic
Local transit faresTaxicab faresRailroad fares, coachAirplane fares, chiefly coachBus fares, intercity
Health and recreation'Medical care1.0
Drugs and prescriptionsOver-the-counter items
Multiple vitamin concentratesAspirin compoundsLiquid tonicsAdhesive bandages, packagesCold tablets or capsulesCough syrup
PrescriptionsAnti-infectivesSedatives and hypnoticsAtaracticsAntispasmodicsCough preparationsCardiovasculars and antihypertensives . . . .Analgesics, internalAnti-obesitiesHormones
Professional services:Physicians' fees
General physician, office visitsGeneral physician, house visitsObstetrical casesPediatric care, office visitsPsychiatrist, office visitsHerniorrhaphy, adultTonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
Dentists' feesFillings, adult, amalgam, one surfaceExtractions, adultDentures, full upper
Other professional services:Examination, prescription, and dispensingof eyeglasses
Routine laboratory testsHospital service charges
Semiprivate roomsOperating room chargesX-ray, diagnostic series, upper GlLaboratory testsAnti-infectivesTranquilizersElectrocardiogramIntravenous solutionPhysical therapyOxygen, inhalation therapy
Personal careToilet goods
Toothpaste, standard dentifriceToilet soap, hard-milledHand lotionsShaving creamFace powderDeodorantsCleansing tissuesHome permanent wave kits
Personal care servicesMen's haircutsBeauty shop services
Women's haircutsShampoo and wave sets, plainPermanent waves, cold
Reading and recreation1.1
Recreational goodsTV sets, portable and consoleTV replacement tubesRadios, portable and table modelsTape recorders, portablePhonograph records, stereophonicMovie cameras, 8mmFilm, 35mm, colorGolf balls
See footnotes at end of table.
16
Digitized for FRASER http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/ Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table 4. CPI—nonfood commodities and services, U.S. city average—Continued
(Consumer price index for urban wage earner* and clerical workers. 1967=100)
Otherindex
February1976
March1976
Percent change to
March 1976 from—March1975
February1976
Health and recreation—ContinuedReading and recreation—Continued
Recreational goods—ContinuedBasketballs, rubber or vinyl coverFishing rods, fresh-water spincastingBowling ballsBicycles, boys'TricyclesDog food, canned or boxed
Recreational servicesIndoor movie admissions
AdultChildren's
Drive-in movie admissionsBowling fees, eveningGolf green feesTV repairFilm developing
Reading and education:Newspapers, street sale and deliveryMagazines, single copy and subscriptionPiano lessons, beginner
Other goods and servicesTobacco products
Cigarettes, nonfilter tip, regular sizeCigarettes, filter tip, king sizeCigars, domestic, regular size
Alcoholic beveragesBeer, at homeWhiskey, spirit blended and straight bourbonWine, dessert and tableBeer, away from home
Financial and miscellaneous personal expenses:Funeral services, adultBank service charges, checking accountLegal services, short form will
147.8123.5128.6143. 1147.0170.3152. 1173.3168.4187.3175.6145.4
(5)106.4123.6
179.3177.8142.9151.3159.2161.5162.0127.7144.4141.4115.8155.9161.4
148.3124.2194.9
147.2124.0129.2143.2147.2169.7153.0174.4169. 3188.7176.7145.5
(5)106.3124.0
180.6177.8143. 1151.8159.5161.7162. 1128.4145.2142.5115.6156. 1162.6
148.6124.8197.9
3.44.83.61.0
10.21.33.43.22.35.52.35.6(5)1.0.6
4.924.23.33.64.24.34.04.52.71.21.82.24.8
4.86.87.9
-0 .4.4.5. 1. 1
- . 4.6.6.5. 7.6. 1
(5)- . 1
.3
. 1
. 3
.2
. 1
. 1
.5
.6
.8- .2
. 1
.7
.2
.51.5
1 Also includes hotel and motel rates not shown separately.2 Also includes home purchase costs not shown separately.3 Also includes pine shelving, furnace filter, packaged dry cement mix, and shrubbery not shown4 Also includes window shades, nails, carpet sweepers, air deodorizers, steel wool scouring pads, en-
velopes, reuphoistering and moving expenses.s Priced only in season.4 Also includes men's sport shirts, women's and girls' lightweight coats, women's slacks, bathing suits,
girls' shorts, earrings, and zippers not shown separately.7 Not available.
8 Also includes storage batteries and drivers' license fees not shown separately.9 Includes prices for water pump replacement, motor tune-up, automatic transmission repair, front-end
alignment, and chassis lubrication; does not include prices for auto body repairs. In the CPI this componentrepresents consumers' direct, out-of-pocket expenses for automobile repairs and maintenance.
1 ° Also includes health insurance not shown separately.1 ' Also includes outboard motors, nondurable toys, college tuition fees, paperback books, and college
textbooks, not shown separately.(*) Discontinued.
17
Digitized for FRASER http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/ Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table 5. CPI—selected areas, all items index
;r price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers)
Area '
U.S. city average . . .
Chicaqo
Detroit
Los Anqeles-Long Beach
N Y . -Northeastern N.J
Philadelphia '.-. ."•
Houston
Minneapolis-St. Paul
Pittsburgh
Buffalo
Cleveland
Dallas . . . .
Milwaukee
San Diego
Seattle
Washington
Atlanta
Baltimore
Cincinnati
Honolulu
Kansas City
St. Louis
San Francisco-Oakland
Pricing
schedule 2
M
MMMMM
I
11
2222222
3333333
Indexes
1967=100 1957-59 = 100 Other
bases
March 1976
167.5
162.0165.8163.9173.9169.7
194.8
184. 1190.5192.8207.0198.2
January 1976
3 171. 9172. 3167. 1164. 1
3205.9197. 1193. 7188.7
February 1976
167.2165. 1163.7162.5167.3161.7167.0
186.4
183.5
190. 0194.5
March 1976
166.6170.4
6167. 1160.5163.4162.7165.5
191.6197.8
7189.7
194.0190. 0196.9
4 183. 7
4 177.0
5175.9
8 173.0
Percent change from:
March1975
6. 1
4. 15.56. 36.45.3
January1975
9.98.17.06.3
February1975
6. 14.76.36.86.46.55.8
March1975
5. 14.67.36.05.66.86. 1
December1975
0.7
.4
.6
. 1
.9
. 7
October1975
4 .32 . 11 . 3
. 8
November1975
0.8.4.8.6
1.51.31.0
December1975
0.21.21.5.8.2
1.5.8
February1976
0.2
.3- . 1
. 1
.20
1 Area coverage includes the urban portion of the corresponding Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area
(SMSA) except for New York and Chicago where the more extensive Standard Consolidated Areas are used.
Area definitions are those established for the 1960 Census and do not include revisions made since 1960.2 Foods, fuels, and several other items priced every month in all cities; most other goods and services
priced as indicated:
M — Every month.
1 - January, April, July, and October.
2 — February, May, August, and November.
3 - March, June, September, and December.3 Revised indexes.
November 1963=100.
February 1965=100.
Revised indexes for March 1975, 155.8; June 1975, 160.6; annual average 1975, 160.3.
Revised indexes for March 1975, 176.9; June 1975, 182.3; annual average 1975, 182.0.
December 1963=100.
NOTE The Consumer Price Index cannot be used for measuring differences in living costs among areas;
it indicates price change within areas. Estimates of differences in living costs among areas are found in the
family budgets.
Table 6. CPI-areas priced monthly, by expenditure class, percent change from February 1976 to March 1976
(Consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers, 1967=100)
Expenditure class
All items
Food
Apparel and upkeep
Transportation
Health and recreation
IVicQlCol CaiG ,
Personal care
Reading and recreation
Other goods and services
U.S.
city
average
0.2
- . 7.4.7.8.6
1.0. 3.3. 3
Chicago
0.3
- . 8
.7
. 61. 11.8
1. 1.4
Detroit
- 0 . 1
- 1 . 1- . 1
.3
.2
.4
. 4
.5
.2
Los Angeles-
Long Beach
0. 1
- . 8- . 21.8
:l. 3
( 2 ). 2
1 . 2
New York-
Northeastern
New Jersey
0.2
- . 8.3
1.8.6. 8
. 1
.6
Philadelphia
0
-1 .2.2.7
1.30
.3
- . 3. 1
See footnote 1, table 5.2 Not available.
18
Digitized for FRASER http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/ Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table 7. CPI—selected areas, by expenditure class(Consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers, 1967=100)
GroupU.S.city
averageChicago Detroit Los Angeles-
Long Beach
New York-NortheasternNew Jersey
Philadelphia
Indexes (March 1976)
167. 5
178.7177.7180.6180.2167.9173.6182.9182.8
174.5176.3142.7188.7178.9247.6183.7166.6
145.0145.4138.5147.5
159.8158.5172.3
160.6180.6157.4149.0151.8
0 . 7
- 1 . 1-1.8
- . 9-4.8
1.5. 9
-1.61.6
1.3. 7
1.5. 5
1.6- . 42 . 62 . 8
- . 1. 8
-2.51.2
1.41.51.3
2. 03 . 41.81.01.3
162.0
177.3176.4181.5182.6159.0169. 1181.8180.9
160. 1160.3136.3171. 1161.2234.9166.2158.9
136.4133.5131.0139.5
160.3159.3166.6
162.0184.3152.9150.9154.3
165.8
173.6171.7181.7171.9169.0160. 1177.0182.3
169.7173.9
(2)180.8176.5242.8190.4151.9
141.0149. 1129.0148.2
154.6153.5167.8
170.7203.8
(2)150.8155.4
Percent changes Decembe
0 . 4
- . 2 0-2.8
- . 7-5.4
. 1-2.7-1.2
1.2
1. 1. 4
3 . 7- . 13 . 0
- 3 . 06 . 52 . 5
-1.0. 5
-3.8- . 1
1.82. 0
. 3
2 . 54 . 51.52 . 01.2
0 . 6
-1.8-2.6-1.6-5.9
1.02. 1
-2.91.3
. 7
. 3(2)
. 3
. 6-1.6
. 81.8
. 63 . 5
-1.5- . 7
. 6
. 52 . 4
3. 14 . 0(2)2 . 92 . 6
163.9
170.9170.5178.0176.6155.5159.0176.4172. 1
172.4177.5141.2188.9160.9
_186.0160. 0
138.6131.4134.8143.3
160.0162. 1120.4
156.5181.4145.6138.9148.0
r 197S to March 1976
0 . 1
-2.5-3.9-2. 1-5.6
- . 8-4.4-4.3
1.7
. 1- . 4
31.4-1.2
- . 9
-1.22 . 8
. 4
. 6- . 4
. 8
. 91. 01.2
2 . 63 .91.21.72. 0
173.9
183.2183.5183.0180. 7171.8189.8192.2182.6
180.5179.9
(2)194.4200.2257. 1216.6170.5
142.6142.0135.0143.6
180.9168.9226.8
166.8195.4
(2)152.2156.9
0 .9
-1.0-1.8-2.8-4.4
. 82 . 8
-1.61.4
1.3. 8
(2). 2
2 . 4. 6
5 . 22. 1
. 12 . 2
-2.22 . 4
2 . 02 . 4
. 8
2 . 53 .9(2)1. 1. 6
169.7
184.6182.3181. 1184.8168.8184.6188. 1194.4
176.9185.6153. 1194. 1172.7237.8177. 0163.7
138.0145.8120. 1148.8
160.4161.9152.0
164.4194.9
(2)149.5154.5
0 . 7
- . 2- . 6
. 2-4.0
3 . 73 . 5
-1.71.3
1.3. 5
3 . 9. 2
1.6-1.2
3 . 82 . 6
- . 43 . 3
-5.41.5
1. 11. 3
. 3
1.21.6(2)1. 1
. 9
All items
FoodFood at home
Cereals and bakery productsMeats, poultry, and fishDairy productsFruits and vegetablesOther food at home
Food away from home
HousingShelter
Rent, residentialHomeownership
Fuel and utilitiesFuel oil and coalGas and electricity
Household furnishings and operation
Apparel and upkeepMen's and boys'Women's and girls'Footwear
TransportationPrivatePublic
Health and recreationMedical carePersonal careReading and recreationOther goods and services
All items
FoodFood at home
Cereals and bakery productsMeats, poultry, and fishDairy productsFruits and vegetablesOther food at home
Food away from home
HousingShelter
Rent, residentialHomeownership
Fuel and utilitiesFuel oil and coalGas and electricity
Household furnishings and operation
Apparel and upkeepMen's and boys'Women's and girls'Footwear
TransportationPrivatePublic
Health and recreation.Medical carePersonal careReading and recreationOther goods and services
See footnotes at end of table.
19
Digitized for FRASER http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/ Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table 7. CPI—selected areas, by expenditure class—Continued
(Consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers, 1967=100)
Group
All items
FoodFood at home
Cereals and bakery productsMeats, poultry, and fish
Fruits and vegetablesOther food at home
Food away from home
ShelterRent, residential
Fuel and utilitiesFuel oil and coal
Household furnishings and operation
Men's and boys'Women's and girls'Footwear
TransportationPrivatePublic
Health and recreationMedical carePersonal care . . . .Reading and recreationOther goods and services
Atlanta Baltimore Cincinnati HonoluluKansasCity
St.Louis
SanFrancisco-Oakland
Indexes (March 1976)
166.6
184.2184. 3183.9183.0180.8183.8188.9183.9
172.8176.9130. 6190.6167.6
178.5166.4
141.5150.9131.4126. 3
148.6152. 794.5
164.8193. 7161.9149. 7140.5
170.4
181.9180.9176.0184.8168.2176.2189.5185. 6
181.3189. 1132.8212. 6173. 7243.5175.4168.6
151.6154.3136. 0160. 7
154.2154. 0154. 5
162.0187.9154.4147.3157.3
4167. 1
180.6183.3190.8188.2170.3176.2188. 1170.4
5 170. 96175. 1
123.08 199. 6
177.4
179.5156.2
151.2147.9148.5159.4
148.4154.0
11 105.3
165.7193.4156.2143. 1163.3
160.5
182.6180.0179.8183.6175.9175.9180.5190. 0
152.6153.6154.8152.8142.2
158. 0155.5
145. 1142.9132.8143.3
151.5156.6123.9
157.7177.2167.2155.6133.6
163.4
180. 3180.5180. 1178.7183.4169.2189.4179.8
166.7171. 1122.3
9 190. 3154. 7
172. 1162.8
146.9148. 1143. 3155.8
154.9155. 1150.3
156.6170.3158.7141.9156.2
162.7
178.4178.2193.9178.7170. 1173.8177. 1179.4
165.27163.5
119.010 176. 4
168. 1260.7169.6166.7
140.2137.0134.6150.2
153. 1157.3103. 1
156.6165.2159.0146.3154.2
165.5
172.2174.3177.9182.8157.4163.7179. 3164.8
174. 0178.8150.4193.2159.0
179.9165.7
145.5149.9142.0143.6
159.7160.3148.3
158.0178.8155.9143.9144.2
Percent changes December 1975 to March 1976
All items
FoodFood at home
Cereals and bakery productsMeats, poultry, and fishDairy productsFruits and vegetablesOther food at home
Food away from home
HousingShelter
Rent, residentialHomeownership
Fuel and utilitiesFuel oil and coalGas and electricity
Household furnishings and operation .
Apparel and upkeep . . .Men's and boys'Women's and girls' . .Footwear
TransportationPrivatePublic
Health and recreation . .Medical carePersonal careReading and recreatioiOther goods and servic
. 91. 3
- 1 . 31.6
. 3
.3
1. 02.41. 1- . 30
2.22.91.91.4
2. 3.5
16.8
1. 32.4
.901.6
2.82.72.23.9
- . 1- .2
.4
3.56.71.91.52. 3
1.63. 1
.41.6
1. 11.40
2. 14. 12. 1
. 9
.9
1.1.2.2.
7 i6 ii !3 !
2 .
2 .1.
0958
. 1
. 1
.6
1.3.7.5
. 91.0.4
2.03.3
. 31. 02. 1
10 .2 ! 1.2
- 1 . 9 - . 5- 2 . 6 - . 8
- . 8 1 - . 5-8 .3 | -3 .8
5.5 ; 5.3- . 8 1 1.0
-1.2 | - . 7.7 .7
1. 1 1. 7.1 .7.2 1.5
- . 1 .42.0 5.8
- . 73. 3 8. 32.9 1.8
1.5
- . 2- . 61. 1
-2 .3, l. 1. 1
1.4
1.91.2
. 41.63 . 7_
6 . 23. 1
0 . 8
. 2
. 1-1 .3-1.2
2. 11.31.7
0- . 61.4
-1.9- . 7.
- . 72 . 9
0 . 2
-2 .0-2.7-1 .3-6 .4
1.0-1 .3-2.0
. 7
. 9- . 1
. 8- . 71.6_
2 . 43 . 2
1.5
- . 4- . 8
. 5-3.9
2 . 62 . 2
-1.91.4
2 . 92 . 0
. 82 . 34 . 21.36. 13 . 3
0 . 8
-2 . 1-3.2
. 6-5.6- 1 . 7-1.6- 3 . 7
2 . 4
1.41.01.2
. 8
_03 . 4
1.02.5
. 11.6
1.71.61.2
2.34.0
.81. 11.5
1 See footnote 1, table 5.2 Not available.3 Change from January 1976.4 Revised indexes: March 1975, 155.8; June 1975, 160.6; 1975 annual average. 160.3.5 Revised indexes: March 1975, 154.3; June 1975, 164.2; 1975 annualaaverage, 162.1.6 Revised indexes: March 1975, 153.6; June 1975, 168.2; 1975 annual average, 165.3.7 Revised indexes: June 1975, 157.2; September 1975, 159.7; December 1975, 160.3; 1975 annual
average, 155.5.
8 Revised indexes: March 1975, 169.7; June 1975, 191.0; September 1975, 197.4; December 1975,196.4; 1975 annual average, 186.2.
9 Revised indexes: June 1975, 181.2; September 1975, 184.5; December 1975, 191.6; 1975 annualaverage, 182.0.
10 Revised indexes: June 1975, 169.2; September 1975, 172.1; December 1975, 172,5; 1975 annualaverage, 166.9.
11 Revised indexes: September 1975, 104.5; December 1975, 104.8; 1975 annual average, 104.5
2 0
Digitized for FRASER http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/ Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table 8. CPI—food groups, selected areas
(Consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers, 1967=100)
Area1
AtlantaBaltimoreBostonBuffaloChicagoCincinnatiClevelandDallasDetroitHonoluluHoustonKansas CityLos Angeles-Long BeachMilwaukeeMinneapolis—St PaulN.Y.-Northeastern N J . .PhiladelphiaPittsburghSt. LouisSan DiegoSan Francisco-OaklandSeattleWashington
U.S. city average
AtlantaBaltimoreBostonBuffaloChicagoCincinnatiClevelandDallasDetroit . . . . .HonoluluHoustonKansas City
Milwaukee . . . .Minneapolis-St. PaulN Y —Northeastern N JPhiladelphiaPittsburghSt Louis . . .San DiegoSan Francisco—OaklandSeattleWashington
Totalfood
Food at home
Total
Cerealsand
bakeryproducts
Meats,poultry,and fish.
Dairyproducts
Fruitsand
vegetables
Otherfoods
athome
Foodawayfromhome
Indexes (March 1976)
178.7
184. 2181.9182. 1177.5177. 3180.6182. 2174.6173. 6182.6185.3180. 3170.9176.5185. 1183.2184.6179.4178.4175.5172.2172.5182.4
-0.7
-1.0- .9- . 2- . 9- .8-. 3- .3-. 9
- 1 . 1- 1 . 0- .6
-1.3-.8-. 6-.5- .8
-1.2-.3-.5
-1.5-.7-. 3- .7
177.7
184. 3180.9181.2176. 7176.4183. 3182.2170.8171. 7180.0181.7180. 5170.5176.4180.9183.5182.3177. 3178. 2169.2174. 3173.9180. 3
- 1 . 1
- 1 . 3-1.3
- . 4-1.2- 1 . 1-.5- .4
-1.4-1.6-1.4-.8
-1.7-1.4-.8-.8
-1.1- 1 . 7- .4- .8
-2.2-1.2-. 7-.9
180.6
183.9176.0185.2187.0181.5190.8188.2175.6181. 7179.8183.6180. 1178. 0182.9189.6183.0181. 1190. 3193. 9173.8177.9179.7185.4
180.2
183. 0184.8183.6180.2182.6188.2181.2171. 7171. 9183.6186.8178.7176. 6179.5184. 7180.7184.8183.2178. 7178.3182.8185.4172.0
167.9
180. 8168.2162. 3164. 0159.0170. 3172. 6161.2169. 0175.9178. 7183.4155.5169. 1181.4171.8168.8151.6170. 1157. 1157.4167. 1160.3
173.6
183.8176.2183.8168.7169. 1176.2180. 0167.4160. 1175.9174.5169.2159. 0172.8170.3189.8184.6174.8173. 8158.3163.7153. 1187.5
182.9
188.9189.5186.9181.0181.8188. 1188.4174.6177. 0180.5180.2189.4176.4176.2179.4192.2188. 1180.7177. 1168.9179.3176.5197.9
182.8
183.9185.6185.5182. 1180.9170.4182. 7188.4182. 3190.0198.3179.8172. 1176.4203.3182.6194.4192.3179.4191.2164.8167.9187.6
Percent changes February 1976 to March 1976
- 0 . 3
- . 10
.62.0- . 2
. 1- 1 . 7- 2 . 0
- . 8- 5 . 0
- . 3- . 2- . 7_. 1- . 8
- 1 . 0. 7
3.9- . 1
- 2 . 3. 3
- . 21.6
-1.5
-3.4-1.9
- . 9- . 9
-2. 1-1.2-.3
-1.4-2. 1- 1 . 3-1.5-2.5-1.5-. 3- .4
-1.8-2.6-1.2-1.5-2.0- 1 . 1- 1 . 1-1.7
-0.4
. 2
-1.0- . 2
-1.5-.61.5-. 3- . 6-.2-. 7-.2- .6
- 1 . 2-. 1-.2-.5-. 1-.8
-1.4-1.4- .4.6
0.2
1.6. 1
1.0-3.9
.9
.8
.3
. 3
. 2- 1 . 1
1.0-1.4-. 7_.4-.21. 1- .8-.21.5
- 1 . 1. 1.5
-1.2
-2.0
-1.6-2.7- 1 . 1-2.0-1.2-1.3-1.6-3. 1-3. 0
.7-1.6-2.9-2.8- 1 . 9-2.2-2.3-3. 1-2.5-2.0-3.7-3.3-1.3-1.9
0.5
.2
.4
. 7
.2
. 6
. 7
.2
. 8
. 7
.2
. 30.9
0.3.5.6.3.7
01.2.6. 1
21
Digitized for FRASER http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/ Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table 9. CPI—gasoline indexes, U.S. city average and selected areas
(Consumer price index for urban wage earneri and clerical worker*, January 1976-100!
Area1
Leaded regular gasoline
Index
February1976
98.8
98.898. 199.298.898. 199.499.399. 198.799.599.099.498.399.298.499.097.298.398.698.599.098.498.1
March1976
97.4
97.496.197.496.597.097.296.097.997.099.298.397.497.398.196.796.495.596.298.397.597.398.296.9
Percent changeto March 1976
f rom—
February1976
- 1 . 4
- 1 . 4- 2 . 0- 1 . 8- 2 . 3- 1 . 1- 2 . 2- 3 . 3- 1 . 2- 1 . 7
- . 3- . 7
- 2 . 0- 1 . 0- 1 . 1- 1 . 7- 2 . 6- 1 . 7- 2 . 1
- . 3- 1 . 0- 1 . 7
- . 2- 1 . 2
Unleaded regular gasoline
Index
February1976
99. 1
99.597.799.698.998.799.699.599.299. 199.698.999.4
100.499.599.099.698.598.798.999.098.598.198.8
March1976
98.2
99.097.699.097.698.298.797.998.898.699.298.798.298.399.098.798.798.297.998.598.398.098.298.3
Percent changeto March 1976
f rom—
February1976
- 0 . 9
- . 5- . 1- .6
- 1 . 3- . 5- . 9
- 1 . 6- . 4- . 5- . 4- . 2
- 1 . 2- 2 . 1
- . 5- . 3- . 9- . 3- . 8- . 4- . 7- . 5
. 1- . 5
Premium gasoline
Index
February1976
99. 1
99.498.299.498.798.799.698.999.398.899.398.699.599.099.698.699.698.198.998,698.898.798.698.9
March1976
98. 1
98.497.497.796.797.597.996.398.697.998.998.097. 198.398.497.897.7,96.697.698.298.098.098.297.7
Percent chsn96to March 1976
f r o m —
February1976
- 1 . 0
- 1 . 0- . 8
- 1 . 7- 2 . 0- 1 . 2- 1 . 7- 2 . 6
- . 7- . 9- . 4- .6
- 2 . 4- . 7
- 1 . 2- . 8
- 1 . 9- 1 . 5- 1 . 3
- . 4- . 8- . 7- . 4
-1 .2
U.S. city average 2
AtlantaBaltimoreBostonBuffaloChicagoCincinnati
DallasDetroitHonoluluHoustonKansas CityLos Angeles-Long BeachMilwaukeeMinnMpolis-St. P a u l . . . .N.Y.-Northeastern N.J . .PhiladelphiaPittsburghSt. LouisSan DiegoSan Francisco-Oakland..SeattleWashington
1 Area coverage includes the urban portion of the corresponding Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area(SMSA) except for New York and Chicago where the more extensive Standard Consolidated Areas are used.Area definitions are those established for the 1960 Census and do not include revisions made since 1960.
NOTE: Effective with the release of the March 1976 CPI, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has begun pub-
lication of indexes and average prices for unleaded regular gasoline. In order to facilitate comparisons amongindexes for the several types of gasoline, each has been put on a January 1976*100 reference base. For theconvenience of users, the historical index series for regular leaded and premium gasoline on the new base aregiven in tables 11 and 12 of this publication. It should be noted that rebating does not indicate a change inprice levels, but is simply a change in the point of time from which price changes are measured.
Table 10. CPI-gasoline average prices, U.S. city average and selected areas
(Consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers)
Leaded regular gasoline Unleaded regular gasoline Premium gasoline
p6f g8i I on
February1976
March1976
January1976
February1976
March1976
January February March1976
U.S. city average
AtlantaBaltimoreBostonBuffaloChicagoCincinnatiClevelandDallasDetroitHonoluluHoustonKansas CityLos Angeles-Long BeachMilwaukeeMinneapolis-St. Paul . . .N.Y.-Northeastern N.J . .PhiladelphiaPittsburghSt. LouisSan Diego
. San Francisco-Oakland .SeattleWashington
$0,584 $0,578 0.569
. 5 7 7
.598
.585
.594
.599
.575
.585
.538
.579
.685
.527
.554
.583
.544
.575
.598
. 5 8 3
.581
.567
.603
.614
.574
.602
.570
.586
.581
.586
.588
.571
.581
.533
.572
.682
.522
.551
.573
.540
.565
.592
.566
.571
.559
.594
.608
.564
.590
$0,605 $0,600
562574570573581559562526562680518539568534556576557559557588597563583
.601
.614
.601
.617
.632
.592
.595
.556
.604
.696
.546
.570
.611
.566
.591
.615
.612
.602
.582
.628
.632
.594
.627
.598
.600
.599
.610
.623
.590
.592
.551
.599
.693
.540
.566
.613
.563
.585
.612
.603
.594
.576
.622
.623
.582
.620
$0,594
.595
.599
.595
.602
.620
.585
.582
.549
.596
.690
.539
.559
.600
.560
.584
.607
.601
.589
.574
.618
.619
.583
.617
$0,629 $0,623 $0,617
627644629641642622628579632727576599627593633649641625614650659618656
.623
.633
.625
.633
.634
.620
.621
.575
.625
.721
.568
.596
.621
.590
.624
.646
.629
.618
.605
.642
.651
.609
.648
.617
.627
.615
.620
.626
.609
.605
.571
.619
.719
.565
.582
.616
.583
.619
.634
.619
.610
.603
.637
.646
.607
.641
1 Area coverage includes the urban portion of the corresponding Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area(SMSA) except for New York and Chicago where the more extensive Standard Consolidated Areas are used.
Area definitions are those established for the 1960 Census and do not include revisions made since 1960.
2 2
Digitized for FRASER http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/ Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table 11. CPI—regular leaded gasoline indexes, U.S. city average and selected areas
(Consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers, January 1976=100)
January | F ®^ r U " March April May July August p e P t e m " October Novem- Decem- Annual° I ber { | ber ] ber [Average
U. S. City Average
197319741975
19731974 _1975 -
197319741975
197319741975
197319741975
197319741975
1973 —1974 —1975 —
1973 —1-974 —1975 —
197319741975
79.590.9
84.091.2
90.391.4
91.892.5
94. 194. 1
95. 197.0
95.5101.2
94.8101.8
94. 1102. 1
68.991.4
101.6
71.590. 3
100.7
74.890. 3
100.290.997. 1
Atlanta
79.593.4
83.593.5
90.092.6
93.294.2
94.496.3
96.8100. 2
98.2103.6
96.3103. 1
95.8103.2
68.990.6
101.7
71. 390. 4
100.8
75.790. 7
100. 091.698. 6
Baltimore
79. 791.9
85.492.6
89.792. 1
92. 793.6
94.495.6
95. 198.2
95.2101.6
94.3102.9
94.2102.6
68.490.9
102. 0
71.591.0
101.0
75. 190.4
100. 191 . 197.8
Boston
78.691.0
83.690. 7
88.392. 1
89.093.0
92.593.7
93.295.9
94.7102.4
94. 3102.8
93.9101.9
69.190.9
101.9
71. 790. 7
101.2
74.990.9
100.590. 097. 2
Buffalo
76. 190.2
82.990.2
91.290. 0
96.591.2
95.794. 0
97.296.2
98.0101.8
97.7102.2
96.7102. 7
67.892. 1
101.6
70. 090. 3
100. 9
72.690. 5
100. 392. 196.7
Chicago
83.490.8
79.691.4
79. 090. 6
86.491.2
86.491.8
85.791. 2
93.391.5
92.392.7
90.592. 0
93.392.4
94.793,5
89.693.6
94.993.5
98.795.8
97.095. 1
96.896.4
96.7101.9
Cincinnat
98.999.6
97.298.3
99.0103.4
95.9102.2
L
98.5104. 0
Cleveland
94.6102.4
94.2103. 1
94.9102.5
96.4104. 1
92.6102.8
70.291.3
101.3
70.494.4
103. 0
69.590.8
102.0
73.490. 1
100. 1
75.492. 0
100.9
73.690.3
100.8
77. 190.399.6
78. 191.6
101. 1
76.690. 5
100.3
92.397.0
93.598.5
91.097.7
Dallas
77.690. 1
83. 591.0
90. 691.4
93.592.2
94. 295.2
95.797. 7
95.0103.4
95.2102.9
94.2103. 3
65.492.3
102.9
67.890. 1
101. 8
71. 190. 1
100. 991 . 097.7
Detroit
83. 392.5
88. 091.9
97.092.7
99.293.4
98.994. 0
99. 697.8
99. 1103.6
97.3103.2
96.4103.5
72.093.3
102.3
74.691.7
100.3
78.991.9
100. 094. 797.9
Honolulu
73.288.7
77.788.3
83.088.7
82.990.9
85.994.7
87.498.3
87.7101.5
88.3101.7
87.7102.6
66.086.5
101.9
67.886.8
101.8
69.687.4
100. 784.696.6
Houston
77. 189.4
81. 090. 1
86. 090.9
91. 091.4
92.794.3
94.597. 8
93.4103. 3
93.5103.2
93.2103. 0
65.991.2
102.2
68. 589.4
101.3
7 1 . 188.9
100.589. 397. 3
23
Digitized for FRASER http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/ Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table 11. CPI-regular leaded gasoline indexes, U.S. city average and selected areas-Continued(Consumer price index for urban wage earners and derical workers, January 1976=100)
January larch April May June J u l y August * * « » - October * < £ » - Decem- A ^
197319741975
197319741975
197319741975
197319741975
197319741975
197319741975
197319741975
1973 —1974 —1975 —
197319741975
197319741975
197319741975
197319741975
84.090.5
79.292.3
81.591.9
80.488.2
81.392.5
78.390.9
79.392.4
83.992.0
77.691.5
78.992. 1
79.691.8
79.591.3
Kansas City
86.789.4
90. 189.6
93.691.4
95.494. 1
96.795.7
97.6101.0
96. 1102.6
94.5102.4
69.091.5
101.6
72.390.6
100.0
74.589.999.5
Los Angeles—Long Beach
84.892.0
90.891.8
92.593.4
94. 194.5
94.397.2
94.0101.0
93.1100.8
92.0101.2
69.289.4
101.7
72. 189.0
100.6
74.689.8
100.0
86.691.9
96.692. 1
97.992.6
97.894.5
100. 197.6
99.5103.2
98.1103.3
98.0103.5
70.893.6
•102.9
74.691.6
100.9
77.691.2
100.4
Minneapolis—St. Paul
83.888.2
88.687.4
93.389.7
95.391.7
96.396.9
97.0101.9
94.8102.7
92.2102.3
68.788.9
102.3
70.887.7
101.2
73.787.799.5
New York—Northeastern New Jersey
86.592.4
91.992.4
93.493.2
96.793.6
98.795.7
99.0100.7
97.9101.3
97.8102.2
70.994.6
101. 1
72.993.5
100.4
76.892.7
100. 1
Philadelphia
83.390. 7
93. 190.7
92.391.5
94.093.9
95.596.9
95.8100.2
95.0100.8
95.1100.8
68.592. 1
101.4
69.690.9
100.7
74.390.7
100.0
Pittsburgh
83.292. 1 91.9
91.593.5
93.895.3
93.997.7
94.5101.7
94. 1103. 1
93.9102. 1
68.991.4
101.6
71. 190. 1
100.7
73.790.9
100.2
St. Louis
88.092.0
92.692.3
94.493.8
96. 196.4
98.498.5
98.3 97.0103.9
96.0104.2
71.792.7
102.4
74.091.5
101.5
76.991.2
100. 1
San Diego
84. 091.5
89.291.7
90.092.9
92. 194.3
92.696.2
92.7100.8
91.6101.3
91.4102.0
68.688.9
102. 1
70.688.6
100.8
72.889.7
100.6
San Francisco—Oakland
83.291.9
88.592.6 94.3
93.094.9
93.897.2
95. 1100.6
94.9102.0
93.9101.7
69.591.5
101.6
72.291.7
101.3
75.291.7
100.5
83.791.8
90.791.9
91.493.8
93.395.6
95. 197.9
94.2100.6
94.7101.8
93.0101.7
70.290.4
101.6
72.289.9
101.5
74.989.7
100.6
Washington
82.391.2
87.891.7
88.992.8
92.794.6
93.396.3
93.5100.4
93.3101.0
93.3101.4
68.891. 1
100.7
70.790.9
100.5
74. 190.9
100.3
92.296.5
90.297.2
94.497.9
90.596.0
93.797.2
91.496.6
90.497.7
93.398.4
89.097. 1
90.497.6
90.597.5
89.896.8
24
Digitized for FRASER http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/ Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table 12. CPI—premium
(Consumer price index for urban wage eari
gasoline indexes, U.S. city average and selected areas
and clerical workers, January 1976=100)
Year
1̂ 7319741975
1973
1973
197 c
1973
,975
1974
1973
1975
1973
i2» = = = = = = =
1974
I97319 741975 -
I97319741975
19731974
197319741975
January
79.690.9
79.092.7
Febru-ary
83.791.2
82.992.7
March
89.691.5
88.892.9
April
91.292.4
91.894.3
May
93. 393.9
92.396.3
June
U.S.
93.996.6
94.499.3
July August
City Average
94.5100.5
Atlanta
95.6102.0
93.9101.2
94.4101. 7
Septem-ber
93.4101.6
93.8101.7
October
69.891.2
101.2
69. 190.6
101.2
Novem-ber
72.290. 2
100.6
71.690.5
100.8
Decem-ber
AnnualAverage
75.290.3
100. 290.496.8
75.890. 7
100.090.498.0
Baltimore
80. 192.3
85.592.6
89.292.8
92.594.2
93.795.2
94.297.6
94.9100.8
94. 1102. 1
93.8102.6
69.591. 7
102.2
72. 391.3
100.8
75.891.799.9
91.097.8
Boston
79.391.3
84. 191. 1
88.292.7
89. 193.2
92.294. 0
92.795.7
94. 1101.8
94. 0102.0
93.7101. 7
70.591.5
101.8
73.091.2
101. 3
76. 091. 1
100.890. 197.2
Buffalo
76.289.7
82.789.7
90.689.3
95.390.4
94.793. 1
95.794.9
96.7101.8
95.8102.2
95.4102.3
68.391.3
100.9
70.589.7
100.6
72.889.5
100.491. 196.3
Chicago
83.690.6
79.791.7
79.590.9
85.990.6
86. 191.9
86.391.3
93. 191. 0
91.292.6
89. 792.6
93. 192. 1
93.593. 1
90.693.7
94.293.6
97.495.3
96.095. 1
95.296.2
C
97.698.7
95.2101.2
Cincinnati
97.4102. 1
Cleveland
96.597.9
94. 1102. 1
95.0101.9
97.2102.6
94.3102.3
94.0102. 1
95.3102.7
92.3101.9
71.590.8
100.9
71.493.6
102.2
70.991.0
101.8
74. 390. 1
100. 1
76.292. 1
100.6
74. 790.7
100.9
78. 090. 399.9
91.796.7
78.391.9
100.792.897.9
76.790. 799.7
91.097.5
Dallas
78.091. 1
83.691.8
90.592. 1
92.792.5
93. 395.3
94.497.5
94.8102.2
95. 1102.2
94.4102.8
67.292.6
102.6
69.190.3
101.5
72.590.5
100.990.997.7
Detroit
82.69 1 . 2
73.787.9
86.590.9
77.987.5
95.092.0
82.987.8
97. 192.4
82.890.0
97.093. 1
85.894.2
96.796.2
87. 097.7
97. 1101. 7
Honolulu
87. 1100. 7
95.3101.4
87.7101. 1
94.4102.5
86.9101.8
72.491.8
101.2
67. 085.8
101.8
74.690.599.8
68.686. 1
101.7
78.591.099.8
92.996.8
70. 486.6
100.984.296.1
Houston
76.989.6
80.790.3
85.391.0
89.991.6
91.494.2
93. 197.3
92.8101.9
92.5102. 1
92.6101.9
66.990.9
101.6
69.389.5
100.7
71.489.4
100.488.896.9
25
Digitized for FRASER http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/ Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table 12. CPI-premium gasoline indexes. U.S. city average and selected areas-Continued
Year
19 73I974I975
I973
1975
I973I974 _1975
197319741975
1973I974 _ _1975
1973 - -19741975
197319 741975
j97319741975
I9731974I975
I97319741975
I973I9741975
I97319741975
January
84.390.6
79.591.8
81.292.4
79. 187.4
80. 392.2
77. 690. 7
79.892.4
83.492. }
77.690. 8
Febru-ary
86.490.4
84.691.5
85.792.3
82.288. 3
85. 192.6
82. 391.0
83.692.2
87. 192. 1
83.291.0
March
89.890.2
90. 391.7
95.292. 1
86.687.4
90.892. 7
91. 191.3
88.492.0
91.592.2
88. 191.2
April
92.891.7
92.093. 0
96.292.9
90. 789. 0
91.893. 1
91.092. 0
91.293.7
93.493.6
89. 092. 1
May
94.494. 1
93.694.2
96.394.9
92. 190. 7
New
95.693.4
92.493.3
93.494.7
95. 195.7
91.093.6
June July August
Kansas City
95.896. 0
97. 1100. 6
95.6102.5
Los Angeles—Long Beach
93.796.6
It
96.996.9
93. 0100.3
92.6100.8
Milwaukee
97.5101.9
97. 1102.6
Minneapolis—St. Paul
92. 795. 6
93.399.9
92.5101.2
York—Northeastern New Je
96.895.4
97. 1100.8
96.4101.4
Philadelphia
93.496.5
93.799.6
93.6100. 6
Pittsburgh
93.697.6
94.3101.3
93.8102.5
St. Louis
96.797.8
97.0102.0
96.2103.0
San Diego
91.795.2
91.699.7
91.0100.2
Septem-ber
94.9102. 7
91.5101.0
96.8102.9
90. 3100.3
rsey
96.2101.5
93.4100.8
93.7101.5
95. 0103.6
90.7101.0
October
70. 391.7
101.5
70.289. 3
101.5
71.393. 1
102.4
68.686.9
100.4
70.693.8
101. 1
69.291.5
101.0
70. 791.4
101.4
72.292.4
101.8
69. 188.5
101. 1
Novem-ber
73.291.2
100. 1
72.589.3
100.9
75. 191.7.
101.0
70.486.4
100.2
72.592.6
101.0
70.589. 1
100.5
72.890.6
100.6
74.491.5
101.2
70.888.5
100. 3
Decem-ber
75.590.099.4
75.389.8
100.5
77.791.4
100.3
72.986.799.7
76. 192.2
100. 1
73.990.5
100. 1
74.991.4
100.4
77. 091.3
100.0
73. 189.5
100. 3
AnnualAverage
92. 096.6
90.097.0
93.297.7
88. 395. 1
92.497. 1
90.096.5
90.597.5
92.697.9
88.496.4
San Francisco-Oakland
78.991.7
82.891.4
88.092. 3
87.693.7
92. 094.4
92.896.7
93.5100. 1
93.5101.0
92.8101.8
70.490.5
100.8
72.890.6
100.4
75.590.8
100. 189.497. 0
Seattle
80.591.7
84. 091.8
90. 391.9
91.793.7
93.395. 1
94.697.4
93.6100.0
94.3101. 1
92.6101.0
71.590.3
101.0
73.489.9
101. 1
75.589.9
100.490.497.2
Washington
79. 590.3
81.990. 1
86.891.2
87.991.9
91.593.6
91. 595.5
91.899.5
91.8100.3
91.9100.9
69.589.8
100.4
71.489.6
100. 1
74.589.9
100. 188.796.2
26
Digitized for FRASER http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/ Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table 13. CPI—by population size
(Comumer price Index for urban wage earners and clerical worken, 1967*100)
Area and group
Relativet m ports nc8
December1975
100.00024.67534.002
9.21713.05318.681
32.4098.280
10. 7303. 0134.2416. 145
11.6942.9483.9511.0951.4932.207
25.6456.0738.9092.3653.4444.854
12.5843.0854.330
1. 1911.6682. 312
17.2924.2896.0781.5542.2073. 163
March1975
157.8171.3163.6140.9144.8151. 1
159.4
172.9164.4138.6
148.9154. 0
157. 0171.0160.8142. 7144.9150.3
156.9171.0
162. 1142.2142.4150. 7
157.0169. 0164.2
142.9143.3148. 7
157.6170.6165. 3140.6142.4148.9
n exes
December1975
166.3180. 7172.2145. 2157.6157.5
167.6182. 1171.8140.4165. 1160.4
165.0180.5168. 1146.2155.8158.0
165.2180. 3
170.9147.5153. 1
156.9
166.2179.7173.7149.4155.3
154.9
166. 6179. 3176.0147.0154. 2154.7
March1976
167.5178. 7174.5145. 0159. 8160. 6
168. 7179.5173.5140. 3167.6164.3
167. 0179.2170.6146.9162.2161. 0
166.3178.6173.4147.4154.4159.6
166.7177. 5175.4147.7156.4157.2
168.2178. 1179.2146.8155.6158. 0
Perce
MarchMarch
1975
6. 14. 36 . 72 . 9
10.46 . 3
5 . 83 . 85 . 51.2
12.6X6.J
6 . 44 . 86. 12 . 9
11.97. 1
6 . 04 . 47. 03 .78 . 45 .9
6 . 25 . 06.83 . 4
9. 15. 7
6 . 74 . 48 . 44 . 49 . 36. 1
it change to1976 from—
December1975
0 . 7- 1 . 1
1. 3- . 11.42 . 0
. 7-1 .4
1.0- . 11.52 . 4
1.2- . 71.5
. 54. 11.9
. 7
- . 91.5- . 1
. 81. 7
. 3-1 .2
1. 0- 1 . 1
. 71.5
1.0- . 71. 8- . 1
.92. 1
United States:All itemsFoodHousingApparel and upkeepTransportationHealth and recreation
Class A-1 (3.5 million or more):All itemsFoodHousingApparel and upkeepTransportationHealth and recreation
Class A-2 (1.4 million to 3.5 million):All itemsFoodHousingApparel and upkeepTransportationHealth and recreation
Class B (250,000 to 1.4 million):All itemsFoodHousingApparel and upkeepTransportationHealth and recreation
Class C (50,000 to 250,000):All itemsFoodHousingApparel and upkeepTransportationHealth and recreation
Class D (2,500 to 50,000):All itemsFoodHousingApparel and upkeepTransportationHealth and recreation
1 Based upon 1960 Census of Population.
Table 14. CPI -by region
(Consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers, 1967-100)
Area and group
Relative 'importance
December1975
March1975
December1975
March1976
Percent change to
March 1976 fron
March1975
December1975
United States:All itemsFoodHousingApparel and upkeep . .TransportationHealth and recreation .
Northeast:All itemsFoodHousingApparel and upkeep . .TransporationHealth and recreation
North Central:All itemsFoodHousingApparel and upkeep . .TransportationHealth and recreation .
South:All itemsFoodHousingApparel and upkeep . .TransportationHealth and recreation .
West:All itemsFoodHousingApparel and upkeep . .TransportationHealth and recreation .
100.00024.67534.0029.21713.05318.681
32.6868.696
10. 6073.2284. 0316. 124
27.8746.8539.4952.4673. 7705.288
22. 1045.281
7. 732
2. 1022.9384.050
16.4993.7166.0221.3852.253
3. 123
157.8171.3163.6140.9144.8151. 1
160. 7173.5167.3141.8147.8153.6
155.2169. 3157. 1140. 3143. 7151.7
160. 1174. 6168.0142.3143.6152.6
154.4166.3162.6137.6143.0144.2
166.3180. 7172.2145.2157.6157.5
169.2182. 6175.3145.6164. 7159.7
163.3180.0164.5145.0154.6157.9
168.7183.4178. 0147. 3154.8158.5
163.0174.4172.4141.4154.3151. 7
167.5178. 7174.5145. 0159.8160. 6
170. 7181.4177. 6144. 3169.6162. 7
164.5177.8167. 1144.4155.5161. 6
169.7181.4180. 1148.4155.8161.4
164.0171.3174.4142.2155.9154.9
6. 14.36.72.9
10.46.3
6.24.66.21.8
14. 75.9
6.05.06.42.98.26.5
6.03.97.24.38.55.8
6.23.07. 33.39.07.4
0.7- 1 . 1
1.3- . 11.42. 0
.9- . 71. 3- . 93.01.9
. 7- 1 . 2
1.6- . 4
. 62.3
. 6- 1 . 1
1.2. 7.6
1.8
.6-1 .8
1.2. 6
1. 02. 1
1 Regional index and relative importance data exclude Anchorage, Alaska, and Honolulu, Hawaii,which are included in the U.S. level data. Consequently, relative importance by region will not add
27
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Brief Explanation of the CPI
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures averagechanges in prices of goods and services usually boughtby urban wage earners and clerical workers. It is basedon prices of about 400 items which were selected to rep-resent the movement of prices of all goods and servicespurchased by wage earners and clerical workers. Pricesfor these items are obtained in urban portions of 39major statistical areas and 17 smaller cities, which werechosen to represent all urban places in the United States.They are collected from about 18,000 establishments—grocery and department stores, hospitals, filling stations,and other types of stores and service establishments.
Prices of food, fuels, and a few other items areobtained every month in all 56 locations. Prices of mostother commodities and services are collected every monthin the five largest areas and every 3 months in otherareas. Prices of most goods and services are obtained by
personal visits of the Bureau's trained representatives.Mail questionnaires are used to obtain local transit fares,public utility rates, newspaper prices, fuel prices, andcertain other items.
In calculating the index, price changes for the variousitems in each location are averaged together with weightswhich represent their importance in the spending of allwage earners and clerical workers. Local data are thencombined to obtain a U.S. city average. Separate indexesare also published for 23 areas.
The index measures price changes from a designatedreference date—1967—which equals 100.0. An increaseof 22 percent, for example, is shown as 122.0. Thischange can also be expressed in dollars as follows: Theprice of a base period "market basket" of goods andservices bought by urban wage earners and clerical workershas risen from $10 in 1967 to $12.20.
A Note About Calculating Index Changes
Movements of the indexes from one month to anotherare usually expressed as percent changes rather thanchanges in index points because index point changes areaffected by the level of the index in relation to its baseperiod while percent changes are not. The example in theaccompanying box illustrates the computation of indexpoint and percent changes.
Seasonally adjusted percent changes in the U.S. AllItems Index are based on seasonal adjustment factorsand seasonally adjusted indexes carried to two decimalplaces. This procedure helps to eliminate rounding errorin the percent changes.
Percent changes for 3-rnonth and 6-month periodsare expressed as annual rates and are computed accord-ing to the standard formula for compound growth rates.These data indicate what the percent change would beif the current rate were maintained for a 12-month
period. BLS does not publish annual rates based ondata for 1 month.
Index Point Change
CPILess previous indexEquals index pcwnt change:
Percent Change
Index point difference,
Divided by the previous index,Equals,Results multiplied by one hundredEquals percent change:
123.8123.2
0.6
0.6
123.20.0050.005x1000.5
A Note on Seasonally Adjusted and Unadjusted Data
Because price data are used for different purposes bydifferent groups, the Bureau of Labor Statistics publishesseasonally adjusted as well as unadjusted changes eachmonth.
For analyzing general price trends in the economy,seasonally adjusted changes are usually preferred, sincethey eliminate the effect of changes that normally occurat the same time and in about the same magnitude everyyear—such as price movements resulting from changing
climatic conditions, production cycles, model change-overs, holidays, and sales.
The unadjusted data are of primary interest to con-sumers concerned about the prices they actually pay.Unadjusted data are also used extensively for escalationpurposes. Many collective bargaining contract agreementsand pension plans, for example, tie compensation changesto the Consumer Price Index unadjusted for seasonalvariation.
28
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Reliability of Percent Changes in the CPI
A system of "replicated" samples introduced into theindex structure in the 1964 revision permits an estimate ofsampling error for the CPI. l The table below showsstandard errors for monthly, quarterly, and annual percent
Average standard errors of percent changes in the
CPI based on 1975 data
Component
All itemsFood at homeFood away from home . .HousingApparel and upkeepTransportationMedical carePersonal careReading and recreation . .Other goods and
services
Standard error
Monthlychange
.04
.10
.11
.08
.16
.07
.13
.14
.11
.08
Quarterlychange
.06
.17
.22
.12
.22
.11
.17
.22
.16
.11
Annualchange
.13
.38
.36
.26
.28
.13
.36
.46
.37
.22
changes in the CPI for ail items and for nine commoditygroupings based on 1974 averages. The figures may beinterpreted as follows: The changes are about 95 out of100 that the percent change in the CPI as computed differsfrom the corresponding "complete coverage" change byless than twice the standard error.
Because the CPI is rounded to one decimal place, someambiguity may arise in interpreting small index changes.As the table indicates, for example, a month-to-monthchange of 0.1 percent in the all-items CPI is significant.Because of rounding, however, a change of this size in thepublished index might result from a much smaller change inthe unrounded value. Hence, any particular change of 0.1percent may or may not be significant. On the other hand,a published change of 0.2 percent for a 1-month periodis almost always significant.
This replaces the table of average errors based on 1974data which was included in the CPI report throughDecember 1975.
The method of deriving these estimates is described in apaper by Marvin Wilkerson, "Measurement of Sampling Errorin the Consumer Price Index," Journal of the American StatisticalAssociation, September 1967.
29 * U . S . GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1 9 7 6 2 1 1 - 1 3 1 / 1 2 1 -3
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BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICSREGIONAL OFFICES
Region I1603 JFK Federal BuildingGovernment CenterBoston, Mass. 02203Phon«: (617) 223-6761
Region IISuite 34001515 BroadwayNew York, N.Y. 10036Phone: (212) 399-5405
Region III3535 Market StreetP.O. Box 13309Philadelphia, Pa. 19101Phone: (215)596-1154
Region IV1371 Peachtree Street, NE.Atlanta, Ga. 30309Phone: (404) 526-5418
Region V9th FloorFederal Office Building230 S. Dearborn StreetChicago . I I I . 60604Phone: (312) 353-6033
Region VISecond Floor555 Griffin Square BuildingDallas, Tex. 75202Phone: (214) 749-3516
Regions VII and V I I I *911 Walnut StreetKansas City, Mo. 64106Phone: (816) 374-2481
Regions IX and X**450 Golden Gate AvenueBox 36017San Francisco, Calif. 94102Phone: (415) 556-4678
* Regions VII and VIII are serviced by Kansas City** Regions IX and X are serviced by San Francisco
Rev. 5/76
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Recommended