Producer Price Index (PPI) Weaker Across-the-Board in September

Index for Final Demand +1.4% Year-Over-Year

The Producer Price Index (PPI) for final demand in September showed weakness across the board, not just in energy and energy-related items.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported final demand was lower by 0.3%, which lowered the 12-month year-over-year from +1.8% initially reported for August last month.

On a year-over-year basis, the index for final demand was up 1.4%, versus up 1.8% in August, and the index for final demand less food and energy was up 2.0%, versus 2.3% in August.

The index for final demand services decreased 0.2%, with nearly half of that decline owed to the index for machinery and vehicle wholesaling, which fell 2.7%. The index for final demand goods was down 0.4% due primarily to a 2.5% decline in prices for final demand energy.

The index for processed goods for intermediate demand decreased 0.4%. The index for unprocessed goods for intermediate demand declined 1.4%.