U.S. producer prices increased in August led by higher energy prices, particularly gasoline and heating oil. Food prices declined due to falling egg prices over salmonella concerns. Overall producer price index rose 0.4% month-over-month in August while core prices excluding energy rose 0.1%. Initial unemployment claims fell to 450,000, the lowest since July, but need to drop below 400,000 to signal a meaningful job market recovery. Continuing unemployment claims also declined in September.