Calculated by FGV’s Brazilian Institute of Economics (IBRE), the Weekly Consumer Price Index (IPC-S) varied 0.38% in the third week of July 2018, 0.29 percentage point (p.p.) below the last published rate.

Seven of the eight expense categories that comprise the index recorded lower price variation rates compared to the previous period. The Food group was the main contributing factor (0.36% to -0.21%). In this expense category, it is important to mention the behavior of the herbs and vegetables item, which varied from -18.45% to -21.92%.

The following groups also showed decreased variation rates: Housing (1.59% to 1.34%), Transport (0.36% to 0.13%), Education, Reading and Recreation (1.05% to 0.78%), Clothing items (-0.54% to -0.91%), Communication (0.39% to 0.32%) and Miscellaneous Expenses (0.07% to 0.06%). In these classes, it is worth highlighting the behavior of the following items: household power bill (7.14% to 6.46%), gasoline (0.08% to -0.56%), airfare (24.40% to 17.21%), clothing (-0.70% to -1.24%), monthly fee for cable TV (0.30% to 0.13%) and religious and funerary service (0.21% to -0.03%), respectively. 

The Health & Personal Care group recorded the same price change of 0.31% as in the last assessment. Major upward and downward factors were toiletries and personal care (-0.73% to -0.39%) and healthcare insurance and plans (0.84% to 0.69%), respectively. 

The next calculation of the Weekly Consumer Price Index, with data collected until July 31, will be disclosed on August 1.