The most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed the Sporting Goods CPI index at 103.5 for December again, down 2.6 percent compared to the December 2000 index. The drop was almost identical to the 2.7 percent November decline. Since its December 1999 peak of negative 5.8 percent, the Sporting Goods CPI had been gradually moving higher (i.e., less negative), reaching its best showing of a negative 1.4 percent in June of last year. Since then, it has become increasingly negative. For 2001, the decline averaged 2.1 percent. The CPI for Sporting Goods provides an indicator of the ability to increase consumer prices for sports equipment.