Consumer prices rise 0.2% for 5th straight month

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- With shelter costs dropping sharply, U.S. core consumer prices fell a seasonally adjusted 0.1% in January, the first measurable decline since 1982, the Labor Department estimated Friday.

Core prices, which exclude food and energy costs, are considered a good indicator of underlying inflationary pressures. In January, prices fell for hotel rooms, home ownership costs, new cars, airfares and clothing.