Overall consumer prices were down .1 percent last month. Not much I know, but it’s the first time since June they declined.

A big drop in gas prices led the way. Food prices up, but at the slowest pace of the year. New car prices – down. Hotels & airfare – down.

Oil prices are up over $100/barrel today, but experts note that the price is still cheaper than it was in the Spring. No real inflation worries there.

Oil prices on the upswing again – over $96/barrel on concerns about Iran’s nuclear program. This is the first time over the $96 mark in 3 months.

OPEC increased its forecast for global oil demand by 1.9 million barrels from the previous one.

No surprise, pump prices rose (but only by less than a penny)

Gas prices are getting a little more stable, and to consumers it looks like a good time to buy that truck or SUV. Sales of new autos up to an 8-month high in October, slightly over 13.2 million vehicles.

A big factor was sales of pick-up trucks at GM, Ford & Chrysler. Also SUV’s and cross-overs.

“There are a growing number of consumers for whom a new vehicle is becoming a necessity,” said Jessica Caldwell, an analyst with Edmunds.com, an auto research Web site.

In 2007, the average age of our rides was 9.8 years. Now it’s up to 10.7 years.

btw the Chevy Volt, plug-in electric hybrid is hosing the competition, the all-electric Nissan Leaf.