US PPI for final demand increases in February

HOUSTON - The US Producer Price Index (PPI) for final demand advanced 0.5 percent in February, seasonally adjusted, the US Department of Labor said Friday.

On an unadjusted basis, the final demand index increased 2.8 percent for the 12 months ended in February, the largest increase since rising 3.1 percent for the 12 months ended October 2018.

In February, the advance in the final demand index can be traced to a 1.4-percent rise in the index for final demand goods. Prices for final demand services increased 0.1 percent.

The index for final demand less foods, energy, and trade services moved up 0.2 percent in February, the 10th consecutive advance.

For the 12 months ended in February, the index for final demand less foods, energy, and trade services rose 2.2 percent, the largest increase since a 2.4-percent advance for the 12 months ended May 2019.