Inflation remains in check — auto sales strong

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Friday, Sept. 13, 2002 | 9:50 a.m.

WASHINGTON -- Inflation at the wholesale level was a no-show again last month despite a big jump in energy prices, while retail sales rose a surprisingly strong 0.8 percent, powered by a big gain in auto sales, the government reported today.

The Labor Department said its Producer Price Index, which measures inflation pressures before they reach the consumer, was unchanged in August after having fallen by 0.2 percent in July.

Meanwhile, the Commerce Department said retail sales rose a strong 0.8 percent in August following a revised 1.1 percent July increase. Much of the August gain was driven by a big jump in auto sales.