Topic: Inflation Rate

Stefan Karlsson How monetary inflation leads to consumer price inflation

The most important factor determining whether or not monetary inflation will mainly cause consumer price inflation or asset price inflation is simply what the early receivers of newly created money choose to do with them, Karlsson writes.  

The New Economy Case-Shiller: Home prices in 20 cities rise at fastest rate since 2006

Home prices increased by 9.3 percent, their largest annual margin in nearly seven years. But experts warn that a backlog in some markets could keep home prices low for the foreseeable future. 

The Simple Dollar Coping with 'lifestyle deflation'

Getting out of debt usually mans adjusting to a lower standard of living, which can be difficult. Coping takes patience, resolve, and just a little bit of calculated indulgence. 

Narrow election victory by Chávez favorite is a win for opposition too (+video)

Although interim President Nicolás Maduro won the presidency according to early results, the slimness of his victory margin signals that he will likely face serious challenges.

Tax VOX Now is the time to fix Social Security

Most Social Security experts, no matter their political persuasion, know that Social Security must be redesigned, Gleckman writes. With President Obama proposing to change the way government adjusts Social Security benefits, why not redesign it now?

The Simple Dollar Should you make mortgage payments later because of inflation?

From a purely financial standpoint, saving payments for a higher inflation rate makes sense. But that line of thinking neglects several key things. 

Cuts to Social Security? What Obama is proposing.

In an effort to reach a bipartisan agreement to reduce federal deficits, President Obama is backing a change in the inflation formula used to calculate adjustments in Social Security benefits.

Stefan Karlsson Will Latvia join the Euro?

Latvia remains determined to join the Euro in 2014, Karlsson writes, despite some countries aiming to exit the Euro.

Tax VOX How should the government measure inflation?

Republicans and many economists argue for shifting to a more accurate inflation measure, Gleckman writes, but a new report suggests that move would raise taxes by nearly as much as it would slow Social Security spending over the next decade.

Energy Voices Are high oil prices pushing us towards debt limits?

The US is reaching debt limits because of a specific resource limit – lack of inexpensive oil, Tverberg writes.  

Latin America Monitor Inflation plays role in Argentine teacher strike

President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner’s refusal to accurately report Argentina's soaring inflation rate has led to a strike by teachers in 17 provinces – granting more than 5 million children a few extra days of summer vacation.

Latin America Monitor Where's the most expensive McDonald's Big Mac in the world?

Clue: It's also homeplace of the world's cheapest gas.

When dictators fall, so do their banknotes

The following now defunct or possibly soon-to-be defunct banknotes are imbued with the symbols and iconography of their leaders, past and present.

Stefan Karlsson Japan's new inflationary strategy: wrong target

The cause of Japan's deflation isn't monetary, it's demographic. Inflationary policy won't work in the long term.

Tax VOX What changing the consumer price index would mean for taxpayers

Social Security reform: What 'chained CPI' proposal by Obama means

Obama proposes revising the way Social Security benefits get adjusted each year to help retirees cope with inflation, as part of 'fiscal cliff' talks. Here's how 'chained CPI' would alter the status quo.

Airfares on the rise: Southwest adds fee for no-shows

Southwest Airlines announced a fee on travelers who miss flights without canceling their tickets. It's one way airlines are adding new fees along with increasing ticket prices.

Latin America Monitor Venezuela prioritizes 'happiness' in its national budget

President Chávez's administration announced its budget last week, allocating nearly 40 percent of funds for 'supreme happiness.' The budget's ambiguous nature, however, has made some distinctly unhappy.

High earnings, low inflation propel stocks upward

Low inflation and decent earnings reports sent stocks upward Tuesday. Stocks in nine out of 10 industry groups in the S&P 500 index rose.

Energy Voices Gas prices push consumer costs up in September

The consumer price index jumped only 0.6 percent last month, despite a 7 percent increase in gas prices. High gas prices have taken its toll on consumers this year.

Social Security COLA to rise 1.7 percent

Social Security cost of living adjustment, one of the smallest increases in decades, takes effect in January. More than 56 million Social Security recipients will benefit.

Annual Social Security adjustment will be a meager increase

The annual cost-of-living adjustment to Social Security recipients is expected to be between a 1 to 2 percent increase, among the lowest automatic adjustments since 1975.

JPMorgan posts record earnings, lifting stocks

JPMorgan Chase and Co. posted record third quarter earnings. Shares of JPMorgan rose 1.8 percent in premarket trading, lifting US stock futures along the way.

Argentina: Oil nationalization and currency controls divide a nation

Months after Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner’s nationalization of the YPF energy company and controversial economic policies, where does Argentina stand?

Stefan Karlsson 'Two Inflationary Days': A clarification

Karlsson responds to readers' comments on his translation of monthly changes to annualized rates in his previous post on inflation.