The Producer Price Index increased by 0.2% in December to 176.2 (1982=100), beating expectations that the index would remain unchanged, following an increase of 1.8% in November and 0.3% in October. Over the year, the index has increased by 4.4%, after falling 0.9% in 2008. The index for energy goods increased by 0.4% in December and prices for consumer foods increased by 1.4%. Excluding food and energy prices, Core PPI was unchanged after a 0.5% increase in the previous month.
Housing Starts in December decreased by 4% to an annual pace of 557,000, less than the expected 569,000 pace, from the revised 580,000 in November (originally reported at 574,000). Over the year the figure has increased by 0.2% from the December 2008 rate of 556,000. Building Permits increased by 10.9%, over the month to 653,000, more than the expected 590,000 level, following 589,000 permits annualized in November (originally reported at 584,000). Over the year, Building Permits rose by 15.8% from the 564,000 pace in December 2008.
Upcoming Releases
Initial Claims (01/21 at 8:30 AM EST)
Leading Indicators (01/21 at 10:00 AM EST)
Crude Inventories (01/21 at 10:30 AM EST)
Existing Home Sales (01/25 at 10:00 AM EST)
