US inflation fell for the first time in two years with a rate of 5.4 percent in August from a year ago. That compares to July’s 5.6 percent according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data released Tuesday. A decrease in inflation makes inflationary-hedge investments in commodities like gold and oil less attractive, but turmoil in the financial sector has its pull too. Gold and oil showed declines in morning trading.

Reports are abound that the latest figures could pave the way for the US Federal Reserve to cut interest rates in their meeting Tuesday, or at least adjust their language indicating a potential future cut and signaling declining inflationary threats. Precious metal investors are sure to await their afternoon statement.

The 1913-2008 Inflation Calculator and rate charts with their udpated figures show inflation’s drop using the government’s latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data. By entering any two dates from 1913-2008 and then a dollar amount, the CoinNews Inflation Calculator measures the change in the buying power of the dollar over time. At the same time, it charts plot historical annual averages for rate of inflation, and rates of inflation, or inflation rates.

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US inflation has hit its highest point in 17 years with a rise of 5.6% over the past year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The 1913-2008 Inflation Calculator and rate charts show inflation’s jump using the government’s latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures.

By entering any two dates from 1913-2008 and then a dollar amount, the CoinNews Inflation Calculator measures the change in the buying power of the dollar over time. At the same time, it charts plot historical annual averages for rate of inflation, and rates of inflation.

Inflation rates climb in July

Consumer prices jumped 0.8 percent in July, which was twice the level economists had expected. The rise compares to an increase of 1.1 percent in June followed by a 0.6 percent rise in May. Over the last year, the inflation rate has hit its highest point in 17 years.

The core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy costs, rose by 0.3 percent. The food index rose 0.9 percent in July after rising 0.8 percent in June.

What’s the real world meaning of these figures? The CoinNews Inflation Calculator can provide some insights.

Inflation Calculator examples

Using the calculator, anyone can determine the purchasing power of the dollar over time. A few examples after adjusting for inflation:

• An item purchased in 1913 for $1 would now cost $22.22 (up 12 cents from June numbers)
• An item purchased in 1950 for $10 would now cost $91.27 (up 48 cents from June numbers)
• An item purchased for $20 in 1985 would now cost $40.89 (up 22 cents from June numbers)

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The 1913-2008 Inflation Calculator and rate charts show inflation’s jump with today’s latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures released by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics.

By entering any two dates and a dollar amount, the CoinNews Inflation Calculator measures the change in buying power over time. At the same time, it charts plot historical annual averages for rate of inflation, and annual percent changes for rate of inflation. The numbers and charts reflect the June rise in inflation.

Inflation rates jump in June

Consumer prices jumped 1.1 percent in June compared to increases of 0.6 percent in May and 0.2 percent in April. It was the second highest rise since 1982 and much higher than the 0.7 percent increase Wall Street economists expected.

The core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy costs, rose by 0.3 percent. That was 0.1 percent higher than many expected.

The index for fuel oil rose 10.4 percent in May and soared 64 percent over the 12 months. The gasoline index rose 5.7 percent in May and surged 20.8 percent on a year-over-year basis.

In other June numbers, food and beverages rose 0.7 percent, natural gas rose 4.9 percent, energy prices jumped 6.6 percent, and gasoline prices soared by 10.1 percent.

What’s the real world meaning of these figures? The CoinNews Inflation Calculator can provide many insights.

Inflation Calculator examples

Using the calculator, anyone can determine the purchasing power of the dollar over time. A few examples after adjusting for inflation:

• An item purchased in 1913 for $1 would now cost $22.10 (up $0.22 from May numbers)
• An item purchased in 1950 for $10 would now cost $90.79 (up $0.90 from May numbers)
• An item purchased for $20 in 1985 would now cost $40.67 (up $0.40 from May numbers)

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The CoinNews Inflation Calculator and rate charts have been updated with latest 2008 Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures released today, June 13, by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The CoinNews Inflation Calculator may be used to measure the change in buying power of the dollar between 1913-2008. The charts graph historical annual averages for rate of inflation, and annual percent changes for rate of inflation.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May CPI inflation data

The Consumer Price Index, a measure of the average price changes for goods and services, rose 4.2% through the 12 months ended in May, according to the Labor Department. The overall CPI rose 0.6 percent in May compared to April’s 0.2 percent, and was 0.1 percent higher than many analysts expected.

Excluding volatile food and energy costs, the core CPI rose just 0.2 percent, and was inline with most expectations.

The index for fuel oil rose 10.4 percent in May and soared 64 percent over the 12 months. The gasoline index rose 5.7 percent in May and surged 20.8 percent on a year-over-year basis.

What’s the real world meaning of some of these figures? The figures can not reflect reality, like the pain at the gas pump, but the CoinNews Inflation Calculator can provide some insights.

Examples of the Inflation Calculator

Using the calculator, anyone can determine the purchasing power of the dollar over time. A few examples after adjusting for inflation:

• An item purchased in 1913 for $1 would now cost $21.88 (up $0.18 from April numbers)
• An item purchased in 1950 for $10 would now cost $89.89 (up $0.75 from April numbers)
• An item purchased for $20 in 1985 would now cost $40.27 (up $0.34 from April numbers)

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The CoinNews U.S. Inflation Calculator has been updated to include percent changes for Rate of Inflation between years.

The Inflation Calculator measures the change in buying power over an entered period of time (1913-2008). By entering any dollar amount and two different years, its easy to compare what something purchased years ago would be priced at today based on inflation. Or, vise versa.

The calculator uses the latest monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures, as provided by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics.

With the new update today, the calculator will display Rate of Inflation changes. As two examples show:

• An item purchased for $20 in 1990 would now cost $32.87. The percent change for Rate of Inflation between 1985 and 2008 is 64.4%.

• An item purchased for $100 in 2007 would now cost $103.61. The percent change for Rate of Inflation between 2007 and 2008 is 3.6%.

The CoinNews Inflation Calculator will be updated again this month when new CPI data is released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on June 13, 2008.

While the Inflation Calculator is more of a general financial interest tool, specific numismatic calculators and tools may be found via the CoinNews menu: “COIN PRICING & COLLECTOR TOOLS“.

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The CoinNews U.S. Inflation Calculator and annual Rate of Inflation Charts have been updated to use the very latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) April figures, as provided by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics and released yesterday, May 14, 2008.

The Inflation Calculator can be used to measure the change in buying power of the U.S. dollar over any period from 1913-2008. The charts provide a quick snapshot of current and historical annual averages for rate of inflation, and annual percent changes for rate of inflation.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics April CPI inflation figures

According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the consumer price index (CPI), a measure of the average price changes for goods and services, slowed to 0.2% in April and was less than the forecasted 0.3%. By comparison, March experienced a 0.3% rise.

The core index, which excludes food and energy prices, climbed 0.1%, but was also below expectations.In other numbers, fruit and vegetable prices rose 2%, beverages climbed 1.7%, and cereal and bakery goods were up 1.4%.

What’s the real world meaning of some of these figures? As always, the CoinNews Inflation Calculator can provide some insights.

Examples of the Inflation Calculator

Using the calculator, anyone can determine the purchasing power of the dollar over time. A few examples after adjusting for inflation:

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The U.S. Inflation Calculator may be used to measure the change in buying power of the U.S. dollar over any period from 1913-2008. The updated inflation charts provide a quick snapshot of current and historical rates since 1989.

The CoinNews U.S. Inflation Calculator and annual Rate of Inflation Charts now use the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) March figures provided by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics and released on April 16, 2008.

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The CoinNews Inflation Calculator and annual Rate of Inflation Charts have been updated with the latest CPI (Consumer Price Index) figures.

The official CPI data, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, enables the Inflation Calculator to measure the change in buying power of the U.S. dollar using any combination of years from 1913-2008.

Examples of the Inflation Calculator

Using the calculator, anyone can determine the purchasing power of the dollar over time. A few examples after adjusting for inflation:

• An item purchased in 1980 for $10 would have cost $20.90 in the year 2000
• An item purchased in 1913 for $20 would now cost $426.42
• An item purchased for $1 in 1985 would now cost $1.96

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