Consumer prices in the US were unchanged in October, after rising 0.4 percent in September and compared with market expectations of a 0.1 percent increase. The index for shelter continued to rise in October, offsetting a decline in the gasoline index and resulting in the seasonally adjusted index being unchanged over the month.

The energy index fell 2.5 percent over the month as a 5.0-percent decline in the gasoline index more than offset increases in other energy component indexes. The food index increased 0.3 percent in October, after rising 0.2 percent in September.

The index for food at home increased 0.3 percent over the month while the index for food away from home rose 0.4 percent.

The annual inflation rate in the US slowed to 3.2% in October 2023 from 3.7% in both September and August, and below market forecasts of 3.3%.

Energy costs dropped 4.5% (vs -0.5% in September), with gasoline declining 5.3%, utility (piped) gas service falling 15.8% and fuel oil sinking 21.4%.

Additionally, prices increased at softer rates for food (3.3% vs. 3.7%), shelter (6.7% vs. 7.2%) and new vehicles (1.9% vs. 2.5%) and continued to decline for used cars and trucks (-7.1%). On the other hand, prices rose faster for apparel (2.6% vs. 2.3%), medical care commodities (4.7% vs. 4.2%), and transportation services (9.2% vs. 9.1%).