Open Thread

For general discussion and debate. Possible talking point: how's that inflation thing working out for you?

The Labor Department reported Wednesday that consumer prices edged up 0.2 percent last month, compared to a 0.3 percent rise in March. The lower inflation reflected a flat reading for energy, which helped offset a 0.9 percent jump in food costs as prices climbed for many basic items, from bread and milk to coffee and fresh fruits. The unchanged reading for energy reflected a big 4.8 percent jump in natural gas prices, offset by a 2 percent decline in gasoline costs. The reported drop in gasoline prices reflected the government's accounting process, which discounts expected seasonal price changes. Since gasoline prices normally rise significantly in April, the 5.6 percent rise in prices for the month turned into a 2 percent drop after the government adjusted for normal seasonal changes.

You folly that? </archie bunker voice> Listen closely : although food prices went up by 0.9 percent, and gas prices by 5.6 percent, because of seasonal adjustments, and other government accounting machinations, "Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, showed prices well behaved in April, rising by just 0.1 percent, compared to a 0.2 percent gain in March" -- which means that if you don't eat, and you don't drive, you're fine!

Is that the way you see it, or are the prices at the pump and at the checkout counter having a demonstrable impact on you and yours?