| Actual | Previous | Revised | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Month over Month | -0.2% | 0.4% | 0.5% |
| Year over Year | 0.1% | 0.4% | 0.5% |
Highlights
After rising 0.6 percent in July, prices for transportation equipment were unchanged in August. Compared to a year ago they rose 1.0 percent, increasing marginally from 0.9 percent the previous month. Food, beverages, and tobacco prices were also stable in August after a 0.2 percent decline in July. The annual rate slowed to 2.9 percent in August from 3.0 percent the month before.
Import prices for industrial products fell 0.6 percent in August, extending the 0.3 percent decline seen the previous month, and were down 2.1 percent from their year ago levels. Prices for manufactured goods from abroad fell 0.5 percent during the reporting month after being stable the month before, and fell 0.8 percent from August of last year.
Today's data shows there is no looming pipeline inflation. Although from a domestic standpoint that could reflect flagging demand, something that has been borne out by other indicators.
Definition
Description
Because the index of producer prices measures price changes at an early stage in the economic process, it can serve as an indicator of future inflation trends. The producer price index and its sub-indexes are often used in business contracts for the adjustment of recurring payments. They also are used to deflate other values of economic statistics like the production index. It should be noted that the PPI excludes construction.
The PPI provides a key measure of inflation alongside the consumer price indexes and GDP deflators. The output price indexes measure change in manufacturer' goods prices produced and often are referred to as factory gate prices. Input prices are not limited to just those materials used in the final product, but also include what is required by the company in its normal day-to-day operations.
The PPI is considered a precursor of both consumer price inflation and profits. If the prices paid to manufacturers increase, businesses are faced with either charging higher prices or they taking a cut in profits. The ability to pass along price increases depends on the strength and competitiveness of the marketplace.
The bond market rallies when the PPI decreases or posts only small increases, but bond prices fall when the PPI posts larger-than-expected gains. The equity market rallies with the bond market because low inflation promises low interest rates and is good for profits.