9% Inflation

[Buster]

Well, not always. About 30 years ago, they started changing the way unemployment is calculated. Used to be the military wasn't included in the numbers. When they added it, the rate miraculously dropped and those in charge took credit for lowering unemployment.

 

[Wifezilla]

Here are some inflation numbers from the UK. They are officially reporting 4%.

"Following the 2008 peaks, good harvests for most basic foods helped prices to fall back.

But in 2010, severe weather in some of the world's biggest food exporting countries damaged supplies.

That has helped to push food prices almost 20% higher than a year earlier, according to the FAO. (The 2010 figure was slightly below the annual measure for 2008 as a whole.)

Flooding hit the planting season in Canada, and destroyed crops of wheat and sugar cane in Australia.

In addition, drought and fires devastated harvests of wheat and other grains in Russia and the surrounding region during the summer, prompting Russia to ban exports.

As a result, wheat production is expected to be lower this year than in the last two years, according to US government estimates."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11177214

 

[Wifezilla]

Here is an interesting article on how inflation is calculated and the controversy involved...

http://www.investopedia.com/articles/07/consumerpriceindex.asp

 

[Wifezilla]

A confusing UK article about inflation. Apparently, inflation will either go up OR down!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12478468

 

[Denim Deb]

A confusing UK article about inflation. Apparently, inflation will either go up OR down!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12478468

Really?! Who would have thunk.