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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

Lumber isn't the only thing that's getting more expensive for contractors

Apr 22, 2021
Everything that goes into a building project, from diesel fuel to plastics to gypsum for drywall, is getting more expensive.
Sharply rising prices for all kinds of raw materials are hurting residential and commercial builders alike.
Al Bello/Getty Images

There are signs the economy may be improving

Oct 14, 2020
The modest increase in Producer Price Index numbers could be good inflation, considering.
Producer price hikes on items like chicken could raise the price you pay at the grocery store — but it could also not.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Inflation pressure evident at producer level

Feb 15, 2018
The producer price index for January rose 0.4 percent month-to-month, and 2.7 percent year-to-year. Core producer prices, excluding volatile food and energy prices, were up 2.2 percent year-to-year. Producer prices remained muted after the Great Recession as economic growth was sluggish, but upward price pressure appears to be building at both the wholesale and retail […]

Hey, wait. My hamburger just got more expensive.

Feb 9, 2018
The plunge in the stock market this week has been widely ascribed to fears that inflation is coming. But for large parts of the American economy — namely, business — inflation is already here. From car companies to restaurant groups, American companies are paying higher prices for raw materials and ingredients. The Labor Department’s Producer Price Index […]

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