Real average weekly earnings rose by 1.4% in October from September, according to preliminary, seasonally adjusted data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The increase stemmed from a 0.2% increase in average hourly earnings combined with a 1.2% decrease in the consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers.

Average weekly earnings were $612.19 in October before seasonal adjustment and inflation, compared with $594.88 a year earlier.