Wholesale prices rose in the
world's biggest economy rose more than initially expected last month, as fuel
costs jumped. According to the Labor Department, U.S. PPI climbed to a
seasonally adjusted 1.1% in September, after a 1.7 per cent gain in the preceding
month. The rate came better than a consensus estimate of analyst' who has
predicted a 0.8% gain.
"In regards to inflation, we have seen rising costs in commodity-related products throughout the year although at lower levels than last year," William Giles, chief financial officer at AutoZone Inc. (AZO), said during a Sept. 19 earnings call. "We expect subdued producer pricing heading into the New Year, and therefore we feel costs will be predictable and manageable."