Finished goods’ prices rise in July

The Producer Price Index for finished goods rose 0.2 percent in July, reported the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The increase can be traced to higher prices for these goods, other than foods and energy. The index for consumer foods moved up 0.7 percent.

Finished goods’ advance followed a 0.5 percent decline in June and a 0.3 percent decrease in May. On an unadjusted basis, prices for finished goods advanced 4.2 percent for the 12 months ended July 2010, their ninth consecutive 12-month increase.

For more information, visit www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/ppi.pdf.