US inflation watch: Producer prices dip 0.1% in August; weaker-than-expected data hints at tariff impact
US inflation watch: Producer prices dip 0.1% in August; weaker-than-expected data hints at tariff impact
US producer prices unexpectedly declined by 0.1% in August, contrasting with July's 0.7% increase, according to the Labor Department. This drop in wholesale services prices, driven by smaller retailer and wholesaler profit margins, suggests companies might be absorbing tariff costs. Annually, producer prices rose 2.6%. Economists closely monitor PPI as it influences consumer inflation and the Federal Reserve's inflation gauge.
US producer prices unexpectedly declined by 0.1% in August, contrasting with July's 0.7% increase, according to the Labor Department. This drop in wholesale services prices, driven by smaller retailer and wholesaler profit margins, suggests companies might be absorbing tariff costs. Annually, producer prices rose 2.6%. Economists closely monitor PPI as it influences consumer inflation and the Federal Reserve's inflation gauge.