Full text of CPI Detailed Report : March 1953

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Issued April 22, 1953

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Washington 25, D. C.

EXECUTIVE 3-21*20
Moffatt - TSxt. 532

CONSUMER PRICE IHDEX
MARCH 1953
Consumer Price Index Rises 0.2 Percent
Between February and March as Prices for
Most Major Groups Increase Slightly
This report presents the Consumer Price Index
for March 1953 for the average of U.S. cities
and for individual cities. The measurement of
price change £roxn January 1953 forward is based
on the revised index structure. Information
about the index revision is given in the February 1953 Monthly Labor Review or is available
upon request.
Retail prices of goods and services bought by families of urban wage and clerical
workers rose 0.2 percent between February and March 1953 according to the U.S. Department
1
of Labor s Bureau of Labor Statistics. The only sizeable increase between February and
March was a 1.5 percent rise in the Other Goods and Services group index. This includes
such items as tobacco, legal services, etc. Other major groups rose fractionally, 0.2
percent or less, with the exception of the Personal Care group which declined 0.1 percent.
The index for March was 113.6 (191*7-1*9 ® 100). This was 1.1 percent higher than
a year ago. The revised index converted to the base previously used (1935-39 = 100) was
189.9.
FOOD

The rise of 0.2 percent in the Food index from February to March represents the
first increase in retail food prices, on the average, since last August. The
March Food index was 111.7 (191*7-1*9 « 100), 0.9 percent below that of March last year but
11.1 percent above June 1950. The rise over the month was due primarily to a rather sharp
increase in prices of eggs which cancelled much of last month*s decrease. Food prices
averaged higher in 28 of the 1*6 cities surveyed.

The increase in egg prices, averaging over 6 percent, which was unusual for this
time of year, accounted for most of the 1.7 percent rise in the "Other Foods at Home"
index. Higher prices were also reported for coffee and shortening. The rise in eggs more
than coup ens ated for small declines in the indexes of Meats, Poultry, and Fish (0.3 percent), Dairy Products (0.1* percent), and Fruits and Vegetables (0.3 percent).
Beef and veal prices continued to fall, but at a greatly reduced rate (about 1
*
percent over the month); prices of pork maintained their upward movement with a rise of
nearly 3 percent. Prices of lamb were down generally, while poultry and fish prices
showed little change.
Decreases in fresh vegetable prices, particularly in green beans- and white potatoes, offset higher prices for fresh fruits, thereby producing a net decline in the Fruits
and Vegetables index.
Reductions in milk prices in New York City, Boston, and St. Louis led the decline
in the Dairy Products index. Substantial decreases in dairy products also occurred in a
number of medium sized and small cities.




2

The Cereals and Bakery Products index showed a slight increase over the month
and prices of restaurant meals were slightly higher in roost cities surveyed in March.
Between March 16 and March 30, 1953, preliminary estimates, based on 6 cities,
indicated a further slight increase of 0.1 percent in retail prices of food at home.
Chiefly responsible for this rise were increases in coffee prices, following the decontrol
order of March 12, and a continued advance in egg prices.
HOUSING

The Housing index for March was 116.8, 0.2 percent above last month and 2.5 percent above a year ago. Increases were reported for all components except
Housefurnishings, which was unchanged from February. The largest rise over the month was
for Solid Fuels and Fuel Oil which advanced 0.9 percent. This increase was due primarily
to higher prices for fuel oil in Seattle and Portland. Gas and electricity bills averaged
0.U percent higher than last month. The Household Operation index also advanced 0.U percent over the month, with higher prices reported in a few cities for domestic service, and
laundry and dry cleaning services. Residential rents continued to rise and were 0.2 percent above February with increases generally reported in large and medium-sized cities.
Prices of home maintenance and repair items were also slightly higher.

APPAREL

The Apparel index advanced
This was the first advance
reflected higher prices for women's
1
and boys apparel and footwear were

fractionally, 0.1 percent, between February and March.
for this 1
group since last September. The increase
and girls apparel in a few cities. Prices for men*s
slightly lower on the average.

OTHER
GROUPS

The Other Goods and Services index advanced 1.5 percent between February and
March as a result of increased cigarette prices following their decontrol February 25. The Transportation index rose 0.2 percent. Higher gasoline prices
reported in a few cities along with increased auto repair costs^ were generally responsible for the rise. Used car prices continued to decline in most cities. Prices for
Medical Care and Reading and Recreation increased 0.2 percent over the month. Scattered
increases were reported for a few items in these groups, such a~> hospital rates, group
hospitalization, movie admissions and newspapers. The Personal Care index declined 0.1
percent. Lower prices were reported for cleansing tissue and toilet soap.
GENERAL PRICE SITUATION
The removal of Government controls had had little effect on retail prices into
April. There were sizable increases in the retail prices of cigarettes, coffee, gasoline
and fuel oil, but no other important cost of living items were affected at that time. The
groups which are predominantly service groups have continued to edge upward but food,
apparel, and housefurnishings are generally lower than a year ago.
Offsetting forces recently have caused average retail prices to rise and fall by
small amounts. On the one hand, production, incomes and employment, and the volume of
installment credit are near peaks; defense spending continues high; government control of
prices and wages has been removed.
On the other hand, uncertainties are introduced by recent peace rumors and higher
inventories in a number of important fields. An unusually high proportion of car sales is
on credit and one major co rip any has reduced new car prices. Used cars are plentiful and
prices are lower. According to trade reports, the housing market, particularly for older
houses, is somewhat weaker as new building catches up with the long housing shortage.
Retailers and manufacturers occasionally are offering inducements to sell major home
appliances.

OLD SERIES;




The Bureau has resumed conpilation of the Old Series index, as directed by
the President on January 30. It is expected that the March 1953 Old Series
Indexes will be available about the end of April.

TABLE 1 .

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX 1/ — U.S. AVERAGE ALL ITEMS AND COMMODITY GROUPS
Indexes and Percent Changes for Selected Dates

3

March
1953

January
1953

March
1952

June
1950

This Month

GROUP

February
1953
Last Month

2 Months Ago

Last Year

Pre-Korea

Year
1939
PreWorld War II

INDEXES (19i*7-li9 - 100)
ALL ITEMS

113.6

113.U

113.9

112.it

101.8

59.it

FOOD

111.7

111.5

113.1

112.7

100.5

U7.1

111.3
117.7
107.if
110.3
115.5
109.1

111.1
117.6
107.7
110.7
115.9
107.3

112.9
117.7
110.9
111.6
116.7
109.7

112.7
115.7
115.2
112.0
113.7

lOh.h

100.5
102.7
106.1
92.3
102.5
9it.l

U7.1
57.2
iil.6
U9.8
it6.3

116.8

116.6

116.U

llii.O

IOU.9

121.7
106.5
12ii.ii
108.0
llii.O

121.5
106.1.
123.3
108.0
113.5

121.1
105.9
123.3
107.7
113.it

116.7
103.8
117.7
109.it
111.0

108.7
102.7
107.6
97.
99.6

86.6
lOit.9
56.it
53.it
52.5

2/

Food at home
Cereals and bakery products
Meats, poultry and fish
Dairy products
Fruits and vegetables
Other foods at home
HOUSING

3/

Rent
Gas and electricity
Solid fuels and fuel oil
Housefurnishings
Household operation
h/

h

lOit.7

10i..6

10i;.6

106.it

96.5

TRANSPORTATION

129.3

129.1

129.3

12it.it

109.9

MEDICAL CARE

119.5

119.3

119.it

115.7

105.U

PERSONAL CARE

112.

112.5

112.it

111.0

99.2

107.7

107.5

107.8

106.3

102.5

117.5

115.8

115.9

Hit.8

103.7

March
1952

June
1950

APPAREL

READING AND RECREATION
OTHER GOODS AND SERVICES

5/

h

y
y

y

y
y
y
y
y

PERCENT CHANGE TO MARCH 1953 FROM:
February
1953

January
1953

Year
1939

ALL ITEMS

0.2

- 0.3

1.1

11.6

91.2

FOOD

0.2

- 1.2

- 0.9

11.1

137.2

0.2
0.1
- 0.3
- o.U
- 0.3
1.7

- l.ii
0
- 3.2
- 1.2
- 1.0
- o.5

- 1.2
1.7
- 6.8
- 1.5
1.6
it.5

10.7
lit.6
1.2
19.5
12.7
15.9

136.3
105.8
158.2
121.5
lit9.5
125.lt 2/

2/

Food at home
Cereals and bakery products
Meats, poultry and fish
Dairy products
Fruits and vegetables
Other foods at home
HOUSING

3/

0.2

0.3

2.5

11.3

53.5

0.2
O.ii
0.9
0
O.it

o.5
0.6
0.9
0.3
0.5

U.3
2.6
5.7
- 1.3
2.7

12.0
3.7
15.6
10.9
lit.5

ito.5
120.6

0.1

0.1

- 1.6

8.5

99.lt

TRANSPORTATION

0.2

0

3.9

17.7

87.7

MEDICAL CARE

0.2

0.1

3.3

13J4

6lu6

0

1.3

13.3

88.6

Rent
Gas and electricity
Solid fuels and fuel oil
Housefurnishings
Household operation
APPAREL

k/

PERSONAL CARE

- 0.1

READING AND RECREATION
OTHER GOODS AND SERVICES
7/
"3/
5/
5/
""
6/
7/

1.5

102.2
66.7

0.2
5/

- 0.1

1.3

5.1

71.0

1.5

l.ii

2.it

13.3

66.li

Includes "Food away from home" for which indexes will be available later in 1953.
Includes "Other shelter" for which indexes will be available later in 1953.
Indexes for subgroups of apparel will be available later in 1953.
Includes tobacco, alcoholic beverages, and "miscellaneous services" (such as legal services, banking fees, burial
services, etc.).
Not available. Indexes for 1939 will be published when calculations are completed.
Approximate.




1/

2/

V
V
V
V
y

TABLE 2. CONSUMER PRICE INDEX 1/ ~ ALL ITEMS INDEXES FOR SELECTED DATES
U.S. Average and 20 Large Cities

( 1 9 hi - h 9 »

l o o )

(1935-39 = 100)

City
March
1953
U.S. AVERAGE

January
1953

March
1952

June
1950

March
1953

113.6

113.U

113.9

112. U

101.8

189.9

113.8
115.2
115.1;
111.2
11U.1

3/

February
1953

113.9
115.1
lllw9
111.1
113.7

11^.2
115.7
115.U
111.7
111;. 3

113.2
113.0
111; .2
110.2
112.9

102.8
102.8
101.3
100.9
101.6

193.8
19U.5
192.8
18!;.0
189.9

April
1950

January
1953

0

,
^

CITIES PRICED MONTHLY:
Chicago
Detroit
Los Angeles
New York
Philadelphia
CITIES PRICED IN JAN., APR.,
JULY, OCT. h/

January
1952
112.1
111;. 3
lUi.l;
112.6
11U.6

i

111.8
113.2
113.3 5/
113.1
llh.9

116.7
11U.2
112.6
llii.7
115.5

Atlanta
Baltimore
Cincinnati
St. Louis
San Francisco

180.5
181;.0
189.1;
191.6
198.5

June
1950

March
1953

115.1 6/
112.3
111.3
llluO
113.0

CITIES PRICED IN MAR., JUNE,
SEPT., DEC. h/

101.2
101.1;
102.1 5/
99.9 "
101.5

March
1952

Boston
Kansas City
Minneapolis
Pittsburgh
Portland, Ore.

101.3 6/
101.6
101.2
101.1
100.9

197.9
196.3
189.6
191. U
197.1;

February
1952

CITIES PRICED IN FEB., MAY,
AUG., NOV.

k/

112.6
llii.8
110.8
311;. 3
112.0

112.5
116.1
112.2
Hi;. 6
113.0

Cleveland
Houston
Scranton
Seattle
Washington

I
I

•

May
1950

February
1953

k

100.
103.5
100.2
102.0
101.6

191.7
196.6
186.5
195.9
185.5

These are the same indexes shown in columns 1, 2 or 3, converted to a base of 1935-39 = 100,
The U.S. Average is based on prices collected in 1*6 cities. In addition to the 20 cities listed individually, 26 cities
are included in the national average. Indexes are not calculated for these 26 cities.
Foods, fuels, rents and a few other items priced monthly; other commodities and services priced quarterly.
December 1951 and June 1950; formerly priced March, June, September, December.
February 1952, and May 1950; formerly priced February, May, August, November.

TABLE 3*

City
U.S. AVERAGE
Chicago
Detroit
Los Angeles
New York
Philadelphia

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX 1/ — PERCENT CHANGES FROM FEBRUARY 1953 TO MARCH 1953
U.S. Average and Five Cities Priced Monthly
All Items and Commodity Groups

All
Items

Food

Housing

Apparel

Medical
Care

Personal
Care

Reading
&
Recreation

Other
Goods &
Services

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.1

0.2

0.2

0.1

0.2

1.5

- 0.1
0.1
0.1;
0.1
0.1;

0.1
0.1
0.7
- 0.1;
0.3

- 0.2
- 0.1
0.2
0.1;
0.1

o.a
0.1
- 0.1;
0.1
0.5

- 0.3
- 0.3
Ui
0.1
0

- 0,3
0
- 0.2
0
0.3

- 0.2
- 0.1
0.2
- 0.1
0.2

o
0.1;
o
0
1.9

0.7
1.8
1.8
1.3
1.3

See footnotes on table 1 and General Explanation at end of tables.




Transportation

5

TABLE 1*. CONSUMER PRICE INDEX 1/ — ALL ITEMS AND COMMODITY GROUPS
March 1953 Indexes and Percent Changes, December 1952 to March 1953
U.S. Average and 10 Cities Priced in Miarch

City

All
Items

Total
Food

Total

housing
Solid
Gas &
Fuels
Elec&
triFuel
city
Oils

Rent

2/

Housefurnishings

Household
Operation

TransApparel portation

Medical
Care

Personal
Care

ReadOther
ing
Goods &
Recre- Seration
vices

y

y

March 1953 Indexes (191*7-1*9 • 100)
U.S. AVERAGE

113.6

111.7

116.8

121.7

106.5

12 lull

108.0

lll*.0

10l*.7

129.3

119.5

112. h

107.7

117.5

Atlanta
Baltimore
Chicago
Cincinnati
Detroit
Los Angeles
New York
Philadelphia
St. Louis
San Francisco

116.7
llii.2
113.8
112.6
115.2
115.1*
111.2
llh.l
lll*.7
115.5

112.3
111.7
109.7
112.7
113.8
113.2
110.5
113.5
112.1*
112.6

123.3
113.8
119.3
112.9
118.6
122.5
n3.o
113.0
11
116.1

128.0
120.2
123.5

109.2
97.8
100.0
112.5
109.8
108.7
108.0
101.8
95.8
130.1

119.5
126.7
122.0
122.6
117. h

112.0
103.2
108.0
103.9
110.6
111.1
109.1
111.3
108.7
109.2

125.9
109.1
117.6
111.8
106.2
106.7
118.6
111.1
116.5
108.3

111.1
102.8
106.3
10li.7
102.9
iol*.o
105.5
105.1

130.5
138.0
13*u0
130.7
125.6
127.1*
127. 1*
132.8
137.2
1U3.1

117.9
132.1
116.8
121.2
116.8
118.3
120.7
120.0
132.U
120.0

ll5.il
105.7
nl*.5
108.8
119.1
118.0
105.9
116.1*
110.0
113.0

110.1*
119.0
109.2
99.1*
110.9
iol*.5
106.9
112.3
100.7
10l*.3

116.8
118.2
111.2
113.6
122.8
113.6
118.0
122.0
115.1*
111*.6

0.3

0.2

- 0.1

- 0.3

1.1*

n.a.
0.1*
0.1*
1.7
0.2
0.9
- 0.2
2.7
0.5
0.1

n.a.
0.2
0.5
1.2
1.7
1.7
1.2
1.2
1.1*
2.1

h.6

130.2
125.1*
127. 1*

Percent Change —
U.S. AVERAGE

- 0.1*

Atlanta
Baltimore
Chicago
Cincinnati
Detroit
Los Angeles
New York
Philadelphia
St. Louis
San Francisco

n.a.
- 0.2
- 0.7
0.1
- 0.7
0.1
- 0.7
- 0.5
- 0.2
- 0.1

-

1.8

0.3

_ 0.6
_
-

_
_
_
-

-

1.6
2.3
1.5
2.9
1.1
2.1*
2.9
2.2
2.0

n.a.
0.3
0.1
0.3
0.2
0.5
0.1*
0.1*
- 0.1
0.3

0.8

lok.k
105.3

becember 1952 to March 1953

0.9

1.0

n.a. - 0.2
0.3
0.3
0
0.7
l*.o
1.1
1.9
0.3
0
0
0

0.1
- 0.1
0
0.2
0
0
1.1*
1.1

- 0.2

0.5

n.a.
n.a.
2.2
- 0.7
0.2
- 0.3
0
- 0.1
0.2
- 1.3
0.2
0.6
- 0.1
1.5
0.6
0
- 1.1*
0.7
0.8
0.5

- 0.1*

n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
- 0.1
- 0.2
5.3
- 0.2
- 0.1*
0.3
2.2
0.8
3.0
0
- 0.3
0.3
- 1.1
- 0.2
1.9
- 0.2
- 0.5
- 0.3
0.2
- 0.1
0.1*
0
0.1*
3.2
0.2
2.0
0.3

n.a.
- 0.1
- 0.2
- 0.1
0.2
0
- 0.1
0.2
0.1
- 0.1

-

See footnotes on table 1 and General Explanation at end of tables.

TABLE 5. CONSUMER PRICE INDEX 1/ — FOOD AND ITS SUBGROUPS
March 1953 Indexes and Percent Changes, February 1953 to March 1953
U.S. Average and 20 Large Cities
(191*7-1*9 - 100)
1

CM -Hr
vJLTy

9 / Food Total
at Home
%

Total Food
Percent
Index Change

Index

Meats, Poultry
Cereals &
& Fish
Bakery Products
Percent
Percent
Percent
Index Change
Index Change
Change

Dairy
Products
Percent
Index Change

Fruits &
Vegetables
Percent
Index Change

Other
Foods at Home
Percent
Index Change

U.S. AVERAGE

111.7

0.2

111.3

0.2

117.7

0.1

107.1*

- 0.3

110.3

- 0.1*

115.5

- 0.3

109.1

1.7

Atlanta
Baltimore
Boston
Chicago
Cincinnati

112.3
111.7
109.6
109.7
112.7

0.6
0.5
0.1
0.1
0.1*

112.0
111.2
109.1
109.3
112.3

0.6
0.5
0.1
0
0.1*

115.3
116.5
116.9
113.0
117.5

- 0.2
0
0.1
- 2.1
0.7

112.8
108.3
103.1*
101.9
109.0

0.5
0.2
1.3
- 0.8
0.1*

11U.9
112.5
109.1
109.1
110.0

0.1*
1.3
- 2.1*
- 0.1
0.1

117.5
111*. 3
113.8
11l*.l*
111*. 2

0.1
- 0.6
- 1.1*
0.1*
- 1.1

103.1
107.1*
105.2
115.5
111*.!*

1.7
1.9
2.0
2.0
1.6

Cleveland
Detroit
Houston
Kansas City
Los Angeles

108.8
113.8
111.9
109.5
113.2

0.8
0.1
0.3
0
0.7

108.1*
113.1*
111.1*
108.9
112 .8

0.9
0.2
0.3
0
0.8

111*. 3
115.6
111*. 6
117.0
117.3

0.1*
0.1*
0.1
- 0.3
- 0.1

103.9
105.9
105.1*
105.3
110.1*

1.1
- 0.7
0.1
- 0.6
- 0.1

105.9
111.2
113.1*
106.9
112.9

- 0.3
0.1
0.2
0.1
- 0.1

109.7
12l*.l
118.6
111.7
113.0

0.3
- 1.0
0.8
- 0.1*
2.2

110.7
110.5
109.6
106.6
111.1

2.5
1.8
0.1*
1.3
1.7

Minneapolis
New York
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Portland, Ore.

112.6
110.5
113.5
112.3
112.5

- 0.2
- 0.1*
0.3
0.3
1.1

112.2
109.9
113.1
112.0
112.1*

- 0.3
- o.5
o.l*
0.1*
1.3

119.2
121.6
11Q.0
119.5
113.7

* 0.2
0.8
0.1
1.7
0.2

103.3
106.9
108.9
103.5
113.5

- 2.1*
- 2.1
0.3
- 1.1
1.0

109.2
105.1
lll*.l
113.0
110.1*

0.5
- 0.6
0.6
0.1
0.1

121.9
112.2
117.5
llli.8
lll*.l

- 0.1
- 1.8
- 1.1
0.1
2.0

116.1
109.3
108.9
116.2
110.7

1.8
2,1*
1.8
1.8
2.5

St. Louis
San Francisco
Scranton
Seattle
Washington, D.C.'

112.1*
112.6
111.3
111.7
110.0

- 0.1*
0.1*
0.3
0.8
- 0.1

112.0
112.1
111.0
111.1*
109.5

- 0.1*
0.1*
0.3
1.1
- 0.2

113.0
122.8
115.8
118.6
112.1

0.1*
0.1*
- 0.3
- 0.1
- 0.1

107.9
108.8
106.6
106.1
101*. 3

0.2
0.1
- 0.2
0.3
- 0.5

107.2
111.9
111.1
109.8
113.7

- 3.2
0
0.1
- 0.1
0.3

118.5
115.8
113.1*
120.5
112.5

- 0.8
- 0.1
- 1.3
1.9
- 2.0

115.3
107.1
109.0
107.1
107.3

0.7
2.0
2.3
2.6
1.3

See footnotes on table 1 and General Explanation at end of tables.




6

GENERAL EXPLANATION

The Consumer Price Index (revised January 1953) measures the average change in
prices of goods and services purchased by city wage-earner 11
and clerical-worker families»
The goods and services included in the index "market basket are those required to maixw
tain the level of living characteristic of such families in 1952. The quantities and
qualities of the items in the "market basket" remain the same between consecutive pricing
periods, so that the index measures the effect of prj.ce change only on the cost of living
of these families.
The indexes are presented on a base of 19ii7-U£"100. The index numbers thus show
the average increase or decrease in prices from the 191*7-1*9 average. (For convenience
of users, these indexes are also shown on the base 1935-3^100. Note that they are
calculated using the new sairples, items and weights). The city indexes do not indicate
whether it costs more to live in one city than in another. Comparisons of city indexes
show only whether prices have risen more or less in one city than another since the base
period.
The Bureau has been compiling the Consumer Price Index for nearly I|0 years. At
four different times it has been necessary to bring the "market basket" of goods and services up to date and to modernize the sairples and methods of calculation. The indexes in
this report are revised as of January 1953. The "market basket" is based on extensive
surveys of postwar expenditure patterns of city families, and reflects changes that have
occurred since prewar in the amdunts, kinds and qualities of things people buy, as well as
new things that were not part of our pattern of living a few years ago.
About 300 items are priced to estimate the average change in prices of all items
in the "market basket." Among these items are all the important goods and services that
wage and clerical workers buy. Prices are collected at regular intervals, and the successive prices are compared to determine price changes. The items priced are described
by detailed specifications to insure that as far as possible, the same quality is priced
each time, and that differences in reported prices are measures of price change only.
Prices are obtained in a sairple of U6 cities representative of all cities in the U.S.,
including the 12 largest urban areas with populations over 1 million, 9 other large cities,
9 medium-sized cities, and 16 small cities. In each city, prices are reported by stores
of various kinds and by service establishments and individuals (such as physicians and
dentists) from whom wage and clerical workers buy goods and services.
Foods, fuels, rents, and a few other items are priced monthly in air cities.
Prices of most other goods and services are obtained on a regular rotating pricing cyclesmonthly in the 5 largest cities, every 3 months in 25 large and medium-sized cities, and
every h months in the 16 smallest cities. In any given month, goods and services other
than foods, fuels and rents are priced in 17 or 18 cities out of the U6. Price collection
extends over 3 or I; weeks, centered on the 15th of the month. Prices for a few items
(e.g., auto insurance, railroad fares) are computed from published sources.
Food. Food prices are collected monthly from chain and representative independent
food stores in all U6 cities, during the first 3 days of the week which includes the l5th
of the month. Prices for restaurant meals are based on menus collected on the regular
pricing cycle for each city as described above.
Rent. Rents are obtained each month by mail from tenants of representative samples
of dwellings in each of the 1*6 cities, and once every 2 years by personal visit, when
local samples of dwellings are als<? reviewed. The rent index measures changes in rent
from one period to another for the same rented dwellings, with the same facilities,
furnishings and services.
Other Shelter. Materials and services for house maintenance and repair are priced
on the regular city pricing cycle. Prices of houses,* fire insurance rates, mortgage
interest and taxes, which change only occasionally, are obtained annually or biennially,
and changes estimated between pricing dates. Sales prices of houses are obtained from
records of mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration.




7

Fuels, including Gas and Electricity, Prices prevailing on the 15th of the month
are collected monthly by mail from fuel dealers and utility companies in 1*6 cities.
All Goods and Services other than Foods, Fuels and Rents. Prices are collected
in person, on the city cycle described above, from samples of representative department
stores, apparel and shoe stores, housefurnishings and appliance dealers, barber shops,
beauty shops, doctors, hospitals, moving picture theaters, etc. Prices for such items as
newspapers, street car and bus fares, and telephone service are collected by mail. Prices
of used cars are obtained from car dealers through a trade association.
Price changes for all items in each city are combined in accordance with their
inportance in the "market basket" for that city to obtain an average price change for that
city. Price changes for the 1*6 cities are combined for the U.S. with the use of 1950 population data. Each city is given an inportance or weight proportionate to the wage-earner
and clerical-worker population it represents in the index. The 12 largest cities, each
weighted by its own population, when combined have about two-fifths of the total weight in
the national index. Each of the 3 other city-size groups has about one-fifth of the total
weight; i.e., the 9 other large cities, the 9 medium-sized cities, and the 16 small cities.
City indexes are compiled for the 20 largest of the 1*6 cities priced for the national average. The remaining 26 cities in which prices are collected are:
Anna, Illinois
Camden, Arkansas
Canton, Ohio
Charleston, W . Virginia
Evansville, Indiana
Garrett, Indiana
Glendale, Arizona
Grand Forks, N. Dakota
Grand Island, Nebraska

Huntington, W . Virginia
Laconia, New Hampshire
Lodi, California
Lynchburg, Virginia
Madill, Oklahoma
Madison, Wisconsin
Middlesboro, Kentucky
Middletown, Connecticut
Newark, Ohio

Pulaski, Virginia
Ravenna, Ohio
Rawlins, Wyoming
San Jose, California
Sandpoint, Idaho
Shawnee, Oklahoma
Shenandoah, Iowa
Youngstown, Ohio

The present index, as described above, has been linked (spliced) to the "interim
adjusted" Consumer Price Index for 3i* cities, issued through December 1952, to form a
continuous series back to 1913* 1/
For detailed descriptions of the Consumer Price Index, its uses and limitations,
see the following:
"The Consumer Price Index," A Short Description of the Index as Revised, 1953•
1
"The Revised Consumers Price Index—A Summary of Changes in the Index and
1
f
1
Suggestions for Transition from the •Interim Adjusted and 01d Series
Indexes to the Revised Index."
Bureau of Labor Statistics Bulletin No. 1039: "Interim Adjustment of the
1
Consumers Price Index."
1
January 1951 Report: "Consumers 1 Price Index and Retail Food Prices."
December 1952 Report: "Consumers Price Index and Retail Food Prices."
Monthly Labor Review articles:
The Revised Consumer Price Index
1
Adjusted Consumers Price Index:
f
Interim Adjustment of Consumers
Selection of Cities for Consumer
Revision of the Consumers' Price

1

(February 1953)•
Relative Inportance of Items (June 1951).
Price Index (April 1951).
Expenditure Survey-195>0 (April 1951).
Index (July 1950).

1/ See December 1952 report, "Consumers Price Index and Retail Food Prices." Tables of
rebased "interim adjusted" indexes for the U. S. and for 20 cities are available upon
request.







w
..
1

if

A
%

UNITED

g

NEWS

STATES

DEPARTMENT

OF

LABOR

Martin P. Durkin,
Secretary
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Tenth Floor, 105 'Test Adams Street, Chic a/to 3 , 111.

RE! EASE I
FOR RELEASE:

Tuesday, n - 0 0 A.M., DST
April 28, 1953*
1

"OLD SERIES" CONSUMERS " PPJCE INDEX - MARCH 1953
The "old series" Consumer Price Index for March 1953 was 188.8
(1935-39-100), a rise of 0.1 percent from February, the U.3. Department of Labor*s
Bureau of Labor Statistics announced today.
Over the quarter, December to March,
the index declined 1.2 percent. The slight increase over the month was due
chiefly to higher prices for the miscellaneous group, The decrease between
December and March resulted from the sizeable decline in food prices, particularly
beef»
1

The "old series" consumers price index, discontinued at the end of 1952,
with the issuance of the official revised series, was reinstated by direction of
President Eisenhower and Secretary of Labor Martin P . Durkin in response to requests
of both labor and management groups having wa^e contract escalator clauses dependent
on it. It will be continued, through the June 1953 indexes.
The Bureau has followed the practices and procedures previously used in
the compilation of the "old series". The items priced, the cities in which prices
are collected, the weights used to combine them, and the calculation methods are
those regularly used in the "old series" in 1952 and immediately preceding years.
1

"OLD S E R E S " CONSUMERS PRICE INDEX FOR MODERATE-INCOME FAMILIES
U.S. Average and 4 Cities by Groups
March 15, 1953
(1935-39-100)
Fuel,Elec.&
All
Refrigeration HouseCity
furnish: Items : Food : Apparel: Rent j Total: Gas &
: Elec,
ings
U . S . AVERAGE
Chicago, 111.
Cincinnati,Ohio
Detroit, Mich.
St. Louis, Mo.

Miscellaneous

188*8

222.9

201.7

138.6

154'. 1 100.6

206.4

178.9

192.5
190.3
1/196.2
~ 190.5

223.1
226.4
225.0
234.9

205.4
202,0
198.7
202,3

161.4

142.5

83.5
109.8
93.6
88.4

193*3"
195.0
217.1
183.5

179*7
181.4
197.5
172.8

-0.1

1.2

162.4

164.8
156.6

Percent Change from December 15 ? 1952
U.S. AVERAGE

-1.2

-3.5

-0.4

0.6

0.5

0.8

Chicago, 111.
0.6
0.6
0
0.2
-1.9
-0.4
-4.4
-1.4
-3,0
-0.1
0.6
1.8
Cincinnati,Ohio
3.9
4.7
-0.3
Detroit,Mich.
-1.0
-0.2
-3.6
0.7
0.9
0,3
•0.4
St,Louis, Mo.
0
-2.0
-1.1
-3.8
0.1
2.7
0.4
1/ Jan. corrected from 196.0 to 197.8; Feb'. corrected from 193.9 "to 196.0. The U.S.
indexes for Jan. and Feb.are correct as published.
4/28/53 - Labor-Chicago.