United States: Apparel prices fall in September.

The overall Consumer Price Index edged up 0.3% during the month the Bureau of Labor Statistics said yesterday, thanks to higher energy and food prices. But the monthly rise was slower than the 0.4% increase booked in August.

Stripping out food and fuel costs, the core index rose just 0.1%.

The apparel index, which has risen over 1% for four months in a row, declined 1.1% in September. But the 12-month change puts the apparel index up 3.5%.