October 18, 2007	Thursday	Shawwal 5, 1428

WASHINGTON, Oct 17: US consumer prices rose 0.3 per cent in September as a broad range of increases kept up moderate inflation pressures, Labour Department data showed on Wednesday.

The consumer price index, a measure of inflation at the retail level, was higher than the 0.2 per cent rise expected by analysts.

Core prices excluding volatile food and energy costs rose 0.2 per cent, in line with forecasts.

Over the past 12 months, overall prices are up 2.8 per cent and core prices 2.1 per cent.

Energy prices rose 0.3 per cent in September after falling in each of the prior three months. Food prices rose 0.5 per cent in September.

Transportation prices rose 0.1 per cent, while housing prices, medical prices and apparel prices each rose 0.3pc in September.

In apparel, the introduction of fall-winter clothing altered the outlook. Before seasonal adjustment, all apparel prices were up 4.5 per cent.

The Federal Reserve last month cut its key rate in response to growing economic risks, while saying inflation pressures appear to be tame.—AFP