MW: U.S. March consumer prices fall 0.1% on lower energy prices
Led down by lower energy prices, overall U.S. consumer prices fell a seasonally adjusted 0.1% in March, matching analysts' expectations, the Labor Department reported Wednesday. Energy prices decreased 3% in March, with declines in fuel oil, gasoline and natural gas. Meanwhile, food prices fell 0.1%. The core CPI, which excludes food and energy prices, rose 0.2% for the third consecutive month, boosted by higher prices for tobacco and smoking products, and new vehicles. Economists polled by MarketWatch had expected the core to gain 0.1%.
