Consumer prices rose less than expected in November, up 7.1% from a year ago

Prices rose less than expected in November, the latest sign that the runaway inflation that has been gripping the economy is beginning to loosen up.

The consumer price index, which measures a wide basket of goods and services, rose just 0.1% from the previous month, and increased 7.1% from a year ago, the Labor Department reported Tuesday. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had been expecting a 0.3% monthly increase and a 7.3% 12-month rate.