The Weekly Consumer Price Index (IPC-S), calculated by the Brazilian Institute of Economics (FGV IBRE), of April 30, 2018 varied 0.34% – 0.02 percentage point (p.p.) above the last published rate. With this result, the index accumulates a 1.37% increase in the year, and 2.98% over the last 12 months.

Five of the index’s eight expense categories recorded a higher price variation. The biggest contribution came from Health and Personal Care (0.98% to 1.12%) group. Within this expense category, it is important to highlight the behavior of the general medications item, which rose from 1.48% to 2.36%.

The following groups also recorded rate variations: Food (0.23% to 0.29%), Education, Reading, and Recreation (0.02% to 0.12%), Clothing (0.47% to 0.60%), and Miscellaneous Expenses (-0.01% to 0.13%). Within these expense categories, it is important to highlight the following items: vegetables (1.51% to 3.81%), show venues (1.33% to 2.54%), clothing (0.65% to 0.79%), and veterinary clinic (0.20% to 1.32%), respectively.

On the other hand, the Transport (0.24% to 0.07%) and Housing (0.30% to 0.26%) groups recorded lower price variations. The main drivers of the variation in these categories were urban bus fare (0.20% to -0.20%) and household power bill (1.10% to 0.78%), respectively.

The Communication group recorded the same price variation of 0.07% as in the last assessment. Major upward and downward factors were landline and internet packages (0.48% to 0.54%) and mobile phone rate (0.34% to 0.19%), respectively.

The next calculation of the IPC-S, with data collected until May 7, will be released on May 8.  Go to the website to read the complete study.