(202) 606-7705 This Release Is Embargoed — 1998-12-11

The Producer Price Index for Finished Goods decreased 0.2 percent in November, seasonally adjusted, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today. This decline followed a rise of 0.2 percent in October and an advance of 0.3 percent in September. The index for finished goods other than foods and energy rose 0.1 percent, following a similar increase a month ago. Prices received by producers of intermediate goods declined 0.2 percent for the third consecutive month. The crude goods index fell 1.4 percent, after a 1.7-percent increase in October. (See table A.) Among finished goods, prices for finished energy goods decreased 1.2 percent, following a 1.2-percent advance in October. The index for finished consumer foods also turned down, after rising in the previous month. Prices for finished consumer goods other than foods and energy and for capital equipment edged up. Table A.