Consumer prices dip for 3rd straight month

[July 16, 2010]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- Consumer prices fell for the third straight month, providing some bargains to American shoppers.

The government says consumer prices dipped 0.1 percent in June. Less expensive energy bills were a big factor behind the drop. Prices for some food items and airlines fares also fell.

So-called "core" consumer prices, which strip out volatile energy and food, rose 0.2 percent in June. That means core prices rose only 0.9 percent over the past year. That's below the Fed's inflation target and has core prices holding at a 44-year low.

[Associated Press; JEANNINE AVERSA]

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