Topic: Inflation Rate

Netflix sputters, but loses less than expected

Netflix says it suffered its first quarterly loss in seven years but the first-quarter setback Netflix announced Monday was far smaller than investors expected

British inflation grows and grows. Is it temporary?

The British inflationary rate increased again in March, despite stagnant economic growth. Is it cause for worry?

No, Chinese inflation isn't a good sign

Experts say that Chinese inflation is a natural side effect of a healthy economy. Here's why they're wrong.

Where to invest for 2012? Nine themes.

Investors will have to navigate a global recession in 2012. Here are nine investment themes that offer the best opportunities for profit.

A hard landing for China? Six top economists weigh in.

China's economy grew 8.9 percent last quarter, the slowest pace in 2.5 years, and on Monday Premier Wen Jiabao cut the nation's growth target for 2012 to 7.5 percent, an eight-year low. Worries of a Chinese hard landing, defined as a sharp and sudden deceleration in growth, have gained momentum. However, China has been proactive in its efforts to prevent a hard landing.  It has fine-tuned its policies to curb inflation, boost domestic consumption, and prevent a housing bubble. The Chinese government intervened heavily from 1989 to 1991 to cool its economy, causing real growth in gross domestic product to plunge to 4.1 percent in 1989, from 11.3 percent the previous year. It stepped in again in 1993. And some argue that this time around it's no different, and that the government knows exactly what it is doing. So we asked six top China analysts whether they saw a hard or soft landing scenario and what we should keep an eye on.

Argentina doesn't apply to Greece

Argentina's price inflation and devaluation from a decade ago has nothing to do with the current economic woes of Greece.

Why we're paying more for corn

Thanks to government subsidies supporting a specific type of corn farm, land value is increasing, and prices are going up. The same is true of other federally supported crops.

Valentine's Day: cost of romance rising for flower delivery, 4 other things

When you arrange for flower delivery or take a special someone out for dinner this Valentine's Day, it'll cost more than it did a year ago. That's the cold hard fact about a warmhearted and festive day, according official US inflation data.

But the rising cost may actually be a relatively small one: Those chocolate or flower prices haven't been rising at gas-pump-fast rates. Here's the official inflation tally of five common Valentine's Day activities, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Why do European central bankers sound like Austrian economists?

After attending a European Central Bank workshop on global liquidity, the author learned that European monetary economists sound surprisingly like Austrian economists. 

Another 'Lula' on the rise in Venezuela?

A primary election in Venezuela today looks set to elevate Henrique Capriles Radonski, a politician who models himself after a former Brazilian president, as the main challenger to Hugo Chavez.

Gold prices up in uncertain times

Gold prices are heading up again, but why is everything but gold prices going down?

Is Ron Paul's gold standard idea dangerous?

Ron Paul wants to end the Fed and go back to the gold standard. Many call that a dangerous idea, but the US was quite prosperous on the gold standard.

New window on Fed thinking: Interest rates to stay low until 2014

Delivering on a recent promise to convey its policy intentions more transparently to investors and the public, the Fed said it expected to keep short-term interest rates low into 2014.

Minimum wage milestone: Why Washington State surpassed $9 an hour

Minimum wage laws raised the wage floor in eight states as of Jan. 1. Washington now tops all states, at $9.04 an hour. Economic effects of raising the minimum wage are in hot dispute.

Six predictions for consumers in 2012

It’s been nice, 2011, but as we move into the new year, many consumers are no doubt wondering what 2012 has in store for them, particularly when it comes to their wallets. Is a double-dip recession in the cards? Will it be easier to get a mortgage? Is a checking account switch in order? What will interest rates be like in the new year? Here are my Top 6 predictions for consumers in 2012:

Ron Paul's economic views aren't completely off base

Some have attacked Ron Paul for his Austrian views of American monetary issues, but those views aren't necessarily wrong

Stock market down 3 percent for the week

After an early rally, the Dow fell 2.42 points Friday to close at 11866 as worries resurfaced about a breakup of the Euro

Eurozone crisis: Who wants what

A look at four central players in the eurozone crisis, and what they want.

How the tea party can 'agree' with Occupy movement's demands

Given the somewhat amorphous slogans of the Occupy Wall Street movement, members of the tea party may be wondering if they should join the fray. University of Denver law professor Robert Hardaway suggests how the tea party might “agree” with five of the Occupy movement's top demands – in its own way:

Deflation risks rising: Nightmare scenario

Deflation: If forecasts are correct, several factors could present a dangerous combination the Fed might not allow to brew for very long.

Economy expands 2.5 percent in the third quarter

The economy continued to expand with real GDP increasing at an annualized rate of 2.5 percent from the second quarter of 2011.

Fed bashing is back in vogue

The Federal Reserve is getting a lot of healthy criticism. But the moves by politicians are worrying.

Chinese yuan will catch up to the dollar faster than we thought

China's economy is growing faster than the numbers suggest. It could overtake the United States as the world's biggest economy even more quickly than previously thought.

Medicare premiums taketh what Social Security giveth?

Medicare premiums are slated to rise – by about $10 a month – for most recipients in 2012. These higher Medicare premiums will eat into the extra $39 a month that the average Social Security recipient is expected to get from next year's cost-of-living adjustment.

Social Security increase reduced after Medicare premiums increase

Social Security increase less than previously thought after Medicare premiums: The anticipated 3.6 percent increase in Social Security payout next year will only amount to $29 extra per month on average after an increase of Medicare premiums.