Category: CPI

Is Inflation Over? Ask Your Pocketbook

Commentary There was much rejoicing last week as June’s headline CPI (Consumer Price Index) came in at 3 percent, the lowest level of overall price level growth since March 2021. Financial media declared that the United States has entered “disinflation mode” and that the season of post-pandemic inflation was nearing an end. The previously scorned…


ANALYSIS: From Energy to Beef: New CPI Report Points to Renewed Price Pressures

Since hitting a 41-year-high of 9.1 percent in June 2022, the U.S. annual inflation growth rate has been on a downward trend for 12 consecutive months. In June, the consumer price index slowed to a lower-than-expected 3 percent, the lowest level since March 2021. “Good jobs and lower costs: That’s Bidenomics in action. Today’s report…


US Desperately Needs a Long Deflation

Commentary Consumer Price Index (CPI) day has been the same for most of the last 12 months. Data comes in and it’s not good. The mainstream media, however, immediately broadcasts the Biden administration spin that inflation is easing so stop worrying about it. Today, the report is elevated beyond expectations: 0.2 percent for the month…


US Annual Inflation Slows to Lowest Level Since March 2021

The U.S. annual inflation rate slowed to 3 percent in June, down from 4 percent in May, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This came in below the consensus estimate of 3.1 percent. Annualized inflation has now fallen for 12 consecutive months and represented the lowest reading since March 2021. The notable easing…


Central Bankers Prepare for Long Battle With Inflation

Commentary On the longest day of the year, the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services welcomed Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell to address its concerns around inflation and weakness in the U.S. economy. Powell warned Congress that the fight against inflation is far from over, that the battle will be a long, hard slog, and…


Gas Price Data, Critics Dispute Schumer Claim Democrats Have Lowered Energy Costs

When Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) told journalists after the June 13 party caucus meetings that Democrats under President Joe Biden have “lowered energy costs,” none of the listening scribes challenged the New Yorker to document his claim. Schumer’s comment about energy costs came in a series of similar cost-cutting claims he made on…


US Inflation Slows to Lowest Level in 2 Years as Food, Energy Prices Continue Downward Trend

The annual inflation rate slowed to 4 percent in May, down from 4.9 percent in April, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This came in below the consensus estimate of 4.1 percent and represented the lowest level in two years. On a month-over-month basis, the consumer price index (CPI) rose just 0.1 percent,…


US Inflation Slows to 2-Year Low as Energy Prices Continue Downward Trend

The annual inflation rate slowed to 4 percent in May, down from 4.9 percent in April, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This came in below the consensus estimate of 4.1 percent and represented the lowest level since March 2021. On a month-over-month basis, the consumer price index (CPI) rose just 0.1 percent,…


How Is Inflation Measured? Understanding the Consumer Price Index

When prices surge across various sectors of the economy, you’ll start hearing analysts talk about inflation. Inflation is the devaluation of currency over time, meaning as goods and services become more expensive, the buying power of your money decreases. People will often first notice inflation by realizing that something they buy regularly is more expensive…


US Annual Inflation Rate Dips Below 5 Percent for First Time in 2 Years

The U.S. annual inflation rate slowed to 4.9 percent in April, down from 5 percent in March, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is slightly lower than the consensus estimate of 5 percent. This represented the 10th consecutive monthly drop in the annual inflation rate. The consumer price index (CPI) rose 0.4 percent…