Reverbiage: Stories from NPR tagged 'inflation'

Consumer Prices Fall By Largest Amount Since 1947

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:47:00 EST

The drop in inflation in October reflects a huge fall in gasoline prices and widespread decline in other areas. Consumer prices fell by 1 percent in October, the biggest one-month decline on records that go back to February 1947.

Is The Economy Heading Into A Deflationary Spiral...

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 06:00:00 EST

One year ago, economists were worried about inflation. Now, they are worried about deflation — prices for everything from corn to soybeans to gold are falling.

Chinese Government Fights Recession

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 06:00:00 EST

Economic data out of China suggests that the world's fastest growing economy is slowing down, just as the rest of the world is counting on it to maintain growth. Inflation in China fell to 4 percent last month, marking a 16-month low. The government responded this week with a nearly $600 billion spending plan to rev up the economy.

Using Mail As An Economic Indicator

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 10:56:00 EDT

There are lots of ways to measure the health of the economy: the inflation rate, GDP and unemployment numbers. There's another economic index — measured by someone you may have never considered an expert on economic matters — your mailman. Chana Joffe-Walt reports for member station KPLU.

Bernanke Hints At Rate Cuts

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:00:00 EDT

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has signaled Fed policymakers will cut interest rates later this month. He said "downside risks to growth have increased," and that the outlook for inflation has improved.

Out Of Control Inflation In Zimbabwe

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 06:00:00 EDT

Steve Inskeep has today's Last Word in business.

To Raise $700 Billion, The U.S. Would Look Overseas

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:56:00 EDT

If Congress passes the proposed $700 billion Wall Street bailout, the U.S. government will likely turn to foreign investors for help. Some analysts predict the U.S. will face higher interest rates, but consumers may see a drop in inflation.

Economic Growth Spurs Concerns Over Inflation

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:11:00 EDT

With higher than expected economic growth, economists remain concerned about inflation. Some think the economy is facing enough headwinds to keep it in check. Others say the strong GDP numbers mean the economy hasn't slowed down enough yet to curb inflation.

Market Outlook

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:26:00 EDT

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke is optimistic about inflation and won't raise interest rates any time soon. His comments sparked a stock rally, but is Bernanke's view on inflation realistic?

Fed Chief: Credit Crisis, Inflation Hurting Economy

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 12:14:00 EDT

The credit crisis and higher inflation are taking a toll on the economy and present a major challenge to Fed policymakers, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Friday.

Stretching Back-To-School Dollars

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EDT

As inflation hits the highest rate since 1991, parents are finding clever ways to shop for school supplies and fall clothes. Mary Harmon, a mother of four living in Corona, Calif., shares her money-saving tricks.

'Marketplace' Report: Inflation Surges

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EDT

The Labor Department reports that prices at the wholesale level shot up 1.2 percent in July — the hottest inflation since 1981. The federal government blames rising energy motor vehicles costs, among other matters.

Inflation A Growing Threat As Producer Prices Jump

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:30:00 EDT

An index tracking prices that companies pay for goods jumped up sharply in July, which means inflation is a growing threat. Meanwhile, the housing market continues to slump, with home-builders sharply cutting back on construction projects.

Energy Boom In Wyo. Increases Wages, Inflation

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 08:01:00 EDT

Wyoming's booming natural gas industry has increased wages around the state, but inflation has risen as well. The hot natural gas trade has also had a cooling effect on the service industry.

Fed Committee Weighs Interest Rate Quandary

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 06:00:00 EDT

In the midst of an ailing economy and a threat of long-term inflation, some Fed governors favor raising interest rates, while others want to lower interest rates further. The Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee meets Tuesday. Steve Inskeep talks with David Wessel, economics editor at The Wall Street Journal, about the meeting.

June Sees Biggest Spike In Inflation Since 1981

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:20:00 EDT

Consumer inflation jumped by more in June than at any time in the past 27 years, helping to drive down spending as Americans fought to stay ahead of rising prices and a weak economy, the government said Monday. Inflation spiked 0.8 percent, while spending dipped 0.2 percent.

Zimbabwe Businesses Tackle Inflated Currency

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:00:00 EDT

Inflation in Zimbabwe has spiraled to the point where a loaf of bread costs $200 billion. Starting Friday, the government is dropping 10 zeros off the value of its money. Rick Kriel, a business owner in Zimbabwe, describes how the devaluation process has affected everyday life.

How To Define The Economy

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EDT

Recession, inflation or slowdown? Defining the state of our economy isn't easy. We examine the indicators economists use to measure the financial future.

Creating An 'Inflation' Shield

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EDT

"Recession" and "inflation" are two financial terms being thrown around a lot these days. Our personal finance expert discusses how to keep a personal budget safe from these concepts.

Federal Minimum Wage To Increase By 70 Cents

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 06:00:00 EDT

The federal minimum wage will rise this week, from $5.85 to $6.55 an hour. But when adjusted for inflation, that's still less than minimum wage workers made a decade ago.

Can The Fed Help Control Inflation...

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EDT

Scott Simon talks to Alan Binder, former vice chair of the Federal Reserve's Board of Governors, about whether the Fed can bring inflation under control in the face of spiraling energy and food prices.

France, U.S.: Similar Financial Woes, Different Result

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 06:00:00 EDT

In France, inflation hit an 18-year high last month. But the country isn't facing an economic slowdown similar to the United States.

Consumer Prices Spike

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:12:00 EDT

Soaring energy and food prices have sent inflation up at the fastest rate in nearly two decades. The U.S. Labor Department says the consumer price index increased 1.1 percent in June. Meanwhile, energy prices rose by 6.6 percent.

'Marketplace' Report: Why 'Everything' Costs More

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EDT

The Consumer Price Index, the government's key measure of inflation, advanced 1.1 percent during the month— the biggest monthly rise since 2005. Gas prices, a strained banking system and the housing downturn are all major factors.

Bernanke Offers Sobering Take on Economy

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EDT

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has given a grim assessment of the challenges facing the economy. He told lawmakers the country faced difficulties, including the housing crisis, higher energy and fuel costs, and a short-term rise in inflation.