US consumer prices fell in October for the first time in four months as Americans paid less for new cars and petrol, although prices outside of food and energy posted a slight increase, the US Labor Department has said.
The Consumer Price Index dropped 0.1% during the month.
Economists had expected the index of total prices would be flat last month after rising 0.3% in September.
Food prices rose 0.1%, while petrol fell 3.1%. Outside food and energy, prices climbed 0.1% in October, the same pace registered in September.
The so-called core index rose because higher prices on services and for clothes outweighed a 0.3% decline in new vehicle prices. Shelter costs rose 0.2%, while clothes increased 0.4%.
In the 12 months to October, consumer prices rose 3.5% after rising 3.9% in the full year to September.
Core prices rose 2.1% in the 12 months to October, up from 2.0% in September.
