Final Demand Goods:

Over 60 percent of the December increase in the index for final demand goods can be attributed to a 3.7-percent advance in gasoline prices.

The indexes for diesel fuel, fresh fruits and melons, carbon steel scrap, residential electric power, and pork also moved higher. Conversely, prices for beef and veal fell 7.0 percent.

Final Demand Services:

In December, prices for transportation of passengers (partial) jumped 8.5 percent. The
indexes for machinery and vehicle wholesaling; machinery and equipment parts and supplies wholesaling; health, beauty, and optical goods retailing; and portfolio management also increased.

In contrast, margins for apparel, jewelry, footwear, and accessories retailing declined 3.7 percent. The indexes for chemicals and allied products wholesaling, guestroom rental, fuels and lubricants retailing, and professional and commercial equipment wholesaling also moved lower.