May's monthly prices increase 0.51% but the annual inflation rate was still -0.04%. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released their monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) and Inflation report for the year ending in May on June 18th. This resulted in the 5th deflationary month in a row. We have seen a steady decline in inflation rates over the last year. May 2014 started with an annual inflation rate of 2.13%. June saw annual inflation fall to 2.07% then July declined to 1.99%, August was 1.70%, then September and October were both 1.66%, November was 1.32%, and December was 0.76%. When January rolled around it was … [Read more...]
Comparing the Cost of Living When Retiring (or Moving)
Most of us dream of the day we can retire and be free from the daily grind. Retirement offers us the opportunity to remake our lives and often we can choose to live almost anywhere. In years past that often meant moving to a a warmer climate like Florida or Arizona. One of the major considerations when choosing to relocate (whether for retirement or for a job) is the cost of living. Will your pension (or paycheck) cover your daily expenses? And that's where our Cost of Living Calculator comes in handy. It allows you to choose your starting location and your proposed destination and get a comparison between the two. For instance, suppose you are tired of the cold in Albany, N.Y. and … [Read more...]
World War D—Deflation
In today's article John Mauldin looks at the "Big D" deflation plus the difference between the out look and time-frame of the average investor and that of the professional money manager. He also looks at the difference between "secular" and "cyclical" bull and bear stock markets. We also have an article by Jawad Mian entitled "A Little Less Deflation, A Little More Reflation, Please". Enjoy! ~ Tim McMahon, editor Thoughts from the Frontline: World War D—Deflation By John Mauldin Everywhere I go I’m asked, “Will there be inflation or deflation? Are we in a bull or bear market? Is the bond bull market over and will interest rates rise?”The flippant answer to all those questions is “Yes.” … [Read more...]
April Ends Another Deflationary Year
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released their monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) and Inflation report on May 22nd for the year ending in April. This resulted in the 4th month in a row where the numbers were negative (i.e. deflationary). Although the month of April itself saw prices increase 0.20% the net effect for the whole year was still -0.20%. We have seen a steady decline in inflation since May 2014 when it was 2.13%. The progression included June at 2.07% then July at 1.99%, August was 1.70%, then September and October were both 1.66%, November was 1.32%, December was 0.76% and then January was a deflationary -0.09%, February was -0.03%, March was -0.07% and finally April … [Read more...]
“Glinda the Good” Deflation Isn’t Looking So… Good
Cold weather, falling wages, bizarre fluke? The real reason consumers aren't spending is... defensive, deflationary psychology By Elliott Wave International Editor's note: You'll find the text version of the story below the video. Learn What You Need to Know NOW About Deflation Get Your Free Report Now » When 2015 began, the mainstream financial experts were certain of one thing: Even if the United States economy were sliding into deflation (which, they said, was open to discussion) that particular kind of Glinda the Good deflation, characterized by plunging energy and food prices, was going to be a boon for consumer spending: "Good deflation a tax cut for … [Read more...]
Deflation Again
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released the inflation statistics for the month of March on April 17th. Once again we have slight deflation on an Annual basis. The Consumer Price index (CPI-U) at the end of March 2015 was 236.119 while it was 236.293 at the end of March 2014. So overall prices are just a hair lower a full year later. That means there was -0.07% inflation and as we all know negative inflation on an annual basis is called Deflation. Because the BLS rounds all their results to one decimal place they have rounded it to -0.1% , which is what they said it was in January as well. Rounded to two places it is -0.09% for January, -0.03% for February and -0.07% for March which … [Read more...]
Living in a Free-Lunch World
It seems that every once in a while, we awake from a deep sleep with what appears to us to be a brilliant revelation. Unfortunately, if we don't write them down they are usually forgotten by morning. Sometimes in the light of day they turn out to be totally ridiculous... but occasionally they actually do turn out to be a flash of inspiration. I had one such experience a few weeks ago. Of late I have been increasingly disturbed by the growing gulf between Liberals and Conservatives. It seems that they can't find any common ground and for all intents and purposes might be living on entirely different worlds. My revelation, although perhaps not earth-shattering, was to me at least … [Read more...]
Deflation Watch: Key Economic Measures Turn South
Last month (12 months ending January 2015) inflation dipped below zero resulting in an annual deflation of -0.09% rounded to -0.1% by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The 12 months ending in February bounced up slightly to -0.03 but the BLS was able to round that up to Zero thus giving the impression that the deflation was over. But our Moore Inflation Predictor is saying otherwise. It indicates that we could be in for as much as 6 more months of deflation. And now the analysts at Elliott Wave International have found that several key economic indicators are also turning Bearish and confirming our deflation prediction. These key indicators include: Corporate profits, Retail and Food … [Read more...]
A Very Weak Economic Recovery
By Elliott Wave International Editor's note: The following article is excerpted from Elliott Wave International's new free report, "U.S. Economy Still on Life Support." For years, the government has manipulated its unemployment statistics to line up with its claim that the economy has recovered strongly. But that's not ALL the government is hiding from you. From foodstuffs, to crude oil prices, to GDP, the numbers and analysis reported by the government and mainstream financial press are misleading at best, downright falsehoods at worst. Get the hidden truth -- click here to read the full two-part report now >> For years, the government has been manipulating its unemployment … [Read more...]
Deflation Almost Zero
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released the inflation statistics for the month of February on March 24th. According to the official numbers there was neither inflation nor deflation for the 12 months ending in February. Technically that wasn't exactly correct. The Consumer Price index (CPI-U) in February 2014 was 234.781 and in February 2015 it was 234.722. So actually there was -0.03% inflation and as we all know negative inflation on an annual basis is called "the big D" or Deflation. However, since the BLS rounds all their results to one decimal place they have rounded it to zero, that is prices are essentially the same as one year ago. Now before you send me nasty-grams saying … [Read more...]
