The transportation index, which advanced 2.3 percent in October, declined 0.1 percent in November as a result of a downturn in the index for motor fuel. The index for gasoline, which advanced 8.6 percent in October, fell 1.8 percent in November. The index for new vehicles, which turned up in October, increased 0.7 percent in November. (Prior to seasonal adjustment, new vehicle prices rose 1.5 percent, their largest monthly increase since a 1.8 percent rise in November 1989. About 55 percent of the new car sample in November was represented by 2005 models.) New vehicle prices are 0.3 percent higher than in November 2003. The index for used cars and trucks declined 0.1 percent in November, but are 3.6 percent higher than a year ago. The index for public transportation, reflecting increases in airline fares and intracity transportation costs, advanced 2.4 percent in November.
The index for apparel rose 0.1 percent in November, following a 0.2 percent increase in October. (Prior to seasonal adjustment, apparel prices declined 0.9 percent, reflecting seasonal discounting on women's and girls' clothing.) During the last 12 months, the index for apparel has decreased 0.1 percent, with declines in prices for men's and boys' and for infants' and toddlers' apparel slightly offsetting an increase in prices for women's and girls' clothing.
Medical care costs rose 0.2 percent in November to a level 4.4 percent higher than a year ago. The index for medical care commodities--prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and medical supplies--rose 0.1 percent. The index for medical care services rose 0.3 percent in November. Charges for professional services and for hospital and related services increased 0.3 and 0.4 percent, respectively.
The index for recreation rose 0.1 percent in November, the same as inOctober. Advances in the indexes for admissions to sporting events--up 1.4 percent--for club membership dues--up 0.6 percent--and for sporting goods--up 0.4 percent--were partially offset by declines in the indexes for video and audio--down 0.4 percent--and for photography--down 0.2 percent.
The index for education and communication increased 0.4 percent in November. Educational costs rose 0.6 percent, reflecting an increase in the index for educational books and supplies. The index for communication, which declined 0.9 percent in October, rose 0.1 percent in November. Within this category, the index for telephone services rose 0.3 percent, reflecting a 1.3 percent increase in long distance charges. Partially offsetting this increase was a 2.7 percent decline in the index for personal computers and peripheral equipment.
The index for other goods and services rose 0.1 percent in November. The index for personal care increased 0.2 percent, more than offsetting a 0.1 percent decrease in the index for tobacco and smoking products.
CPI for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W)
On a seasonally adjusted basis, the CPI for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers increased 0.2 percent in November.---
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