Consumer Prices in U.S. Probably Increased for Seventh Month

The cost of living in the U.S. probably climbed in January for a seventh month, led by higher prices for fuel and food that have yet to filter through to other goods and services, economists said before a report today.

The consumer-price index rose 0.3 percent following a 0.4 percent gain in December, according to the median estimate of 79 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News. The so-called core rate, which excludes volatile food and energy costs, may have increased 0.1 percent for a third month.