This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-25018540

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
US prices fall 0.1% in October as petrol costs drop US prices fall 0.1% in October as petrol costs drop
(35 minutes later)
US consumer prices fell 0.1% in October as petrol prices dropped, the US Labor Department has said.US consumer prices fell 0.1% in October as petrol prices dropped, the US Labor Department has said.
Petrol prices fell 2.9%, the biggest drop since April. The cost of new cars, clothes and healthcare also fell.Petrol prices fell 2.9%, the biggest drop since April. The cost of new cars, clothes and healthcare also fell.
The decrease meant that annual inflation in the 12 months to October was just 1%.The decrease meant that annual inflation in the 12 months to October was just 1%.
So-called core prices, excluding energy and food costs which vary more, were up 0.1% in October and increased 1.7% in the last 12 months.So-called core prices, excluding energy and food costs which vary more, were up 0.1% in October and increased 1.7% in the last 12 months.
Analysts say the Federal Reserve is likely to continue its programme of buying $85bn (£53bn) in bonds each month in order to stimulate the economy.Analysts say the Federal Reserve is likely to continue its programme of buying $85bn (£53bn) in bonds each month in order to stimulate the economy.
Critics of the central bank's bond-buying programme had focused on worries that it would lead to higher inflation.Critics of the central bank's bond-buying programme had focused on worries that it would lead to higher inflation.
Later on Wednesday, the Federal Reserve was due to release minutes of a policymakers' meeting, but analysts say they do not expect to see many clues about whether the central bank is planning to reduce - or taper - its stimulus measures. Busy festive season?
Figures also released on Wednesday showed US retail sales up 0.4% in October, from flat in September, the US Commerce Department said.
In particular, sales of cars, clothes and furniture were behind the rise.
Economists say that lower petrol prices could mean households spend more during the crucial festive season.
In the US, consumer spending accounts for 70% of economic activity.
Also on Wednesday, the Federal Reserve was due to release minutes of a policymakers' meeting, but analysts say they do not expect to see many clues about whether the central bank is planning to reduce - or taper - its stimulus measures.
Wednesday's 1% rise in annual inflation was below the US central bank's target of keeping inflation under 2%.Wednesday's 1% rise in annual inflation was below the US central bank's target of keeping inflation under 2%.
Over the last four years, inflation in the US has been mild, with prices kept down by a slow recovery from the financial crisis.Over the last four years, inflation in the US has been mild, with prices kept down by a slow recovery from the financial crisis.
Stubbornly high unemployment and only modest wage increases have led many retailers to put off raising prices. Stubbornly high unemployment, which is currently at 7.3%, and only modest wage increases have led many retailers to put off raising prices.