Food inflation for 2012 was up 1.8 percent last year, compared with 4.7 percent in 2011. Gasoline prices rose 1.7 percent in 2012, following gains of almost 10 percent in 2011 and roughly 14 percent in 2010. The Labor Department states that the consumer price index (CPI) has risen 1.6 percent in the 12 months ending in January. That's down from the 2.9 percent rate from a year ago. So why would higher inflation be on the way? Two reasons: energy and the Fed.
First, energy. For the later part of 2012 and into January, falling energy prices offset gains in most other major categories. Now energy prices are starting to spike, up 47 cents -- or 14 percent -- since last month, so we are likely to see overall prices move higher as well when...
As predicted, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at the last meeting before the midterm elections, likely in part because of the election (see WPI 19 October and 22 September). The decision comes at the tail end of a midterm election cycle that has been marked by the two parties campaigning...
Key Takeaways: Dry bulk markets are mixed with Capesize rates seeing solid gains while Panamax values slipped on a growing tonnage list. Supramax and Handysize vessels were stronger, though all sectors remain vulnerable to the seasonal dip in rates through Q4 and into Q1. Falling water l...
