Headline producer prices weaker than expected in April

Final producer prices edged higher in April, boosted by inflation in the good sector but were nonetheless unchanged when compared to year-ago levels.

The final demand producer price index rose by 0.2% month-on-month in April (consensus: 0.3%) as prices on goods advanced 0.2% and those for services by 0.1%, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said.

A core measure of PPI which excludes food, energy and trade was 0.3% higher in comparison to March (consensus: 0.1%). Food prices declined by 0.3% month-on-month while energy prices gained 0.2%.

Versus the same month one year ago, producer prices were flat against economists' expectations for an increase of 0.2%.