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Producer prices rose in July, but that's not all that concerning

Aug 11, 2023
Services prices helped push up the producer price index in July. But that increase likely isn't a lasting one.
An uptick in stock prices has led to an increase in management fees investment portfolios, which was a big portion of services inflation in July.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

CPI, PPI — what do the indexes really tell us about inflation?

May 11, 2023
Economists say the more measures, the better their predictions — even if they provide slightly different pictures of the economy.
The produce price index, which measures costs that businesses pay, tends to be more volatile than the consumer price index.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

The producer price index hints at where consumer prices are headed

Feb 16, 2023
Wholesale prices rose 0.7% in January, showing that inflation is sticking around.
Food prices for suppliers dropped 1% month over month, according to the producer price index.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Wholesale inflation peaked at an annual rate of 11.5% back in March. It’s fallen seven of the last eight months and is now below 8%.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

The prices of industrial metals are surging. That's probably good news for the world economy.

Nov 15, 2022
The increases are seen as an indicator of strength, though they might fuel more inflation.
Copper’s recent price surge hints at a strengthening global economy, boosted by an expected recovery of Chinese manufacturing. Above, a copper mining operation.
Ari Widodo/Getty Images

With producer prices up 8.5% in September, what will that mean for consumers?

Oct 12, 2022
While the overall rate of increase moderated in September, costs were still up, especially for food and services.
Wholesale used car prices have been declining, which could be the leading edge of a downward trend in overall inflation, according to one economist.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

For producers, inflation is easing just a bit, Labor Department reports

Sep 14, 2022
Producer prices reflect costs throughout the production process. Prices for raw materials are starting to ease.
Price increases have begun to slow in earlier parts of the production process.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

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What can the producer price index tell us about inflation?

Aug 11, 2022
The PPI offers a glimpse into what you might be paying for goods and services in the very near future.
The producer price index declined by half a percentage point in July. That's consistent with other measures that suggest an easing of inflation pressures.
Emilee Chinn/Getty Images for H&M

Just how high will interest rates go?

Apr 13, 2022
We don't know. But the Taylor principle says rates should increase at least to the level of annual inflation to control rising prices.
Among the Federal Reserve's biggest challenges is quelling consumer expectations of high inflation.
Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

The Fed has ways to put the brakes on rising prices

Dec 14, 2021
Most of them need a little time to slow the economy down.
To curb inflation, the central bank can reduce bond buying, raise interest rates and try to  influence consumers' expectations and behavior.
Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images

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