The Producer Price Index for final demand fell 0.2 percent in December, seasonally adjusted, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Final demand prices advanced 0.1 percent in November and 0.6 percent in October. On an unadjusted basis, the final demand index moved up 2.5 percent in 2018, the same as in 2017.
In December, 80 percent of the decrease in the final demand index is attributable to a 0.4-percent decline in prices for final demand goods. The index for final demand services edged down 0.1 percent.
The index for final demand less foods, energy, and trade services was unchanged in December following a 0.3-percent rise in November. In 2018, prices for final demand less foods, energy, and trade services advanced 2.8 percent following a 2.3-percent increase in 2017.