US inflation fell for the third consecutive month as it eased to 3.7 percent in October from a year ago, the Labor Department reported Wednesday. Consumer prices plunged 1 percent, the largest drop in 61 years, as energy price declines led the retreat.

Lower inflation generally makes inflationary-hedge investments in commodities like gold less attractive. The spot price of gold, however, is up in morning trading as a weakened dollar on the day has trumped inflation news.

The CoinNews Inflation Calculator and rate charts with their updated 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 calculator measures the change in the buying power of the dollar over time.

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US inflation fell for the second consecutive month, dropping to 4.9 percent in September from a year ago, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Thursday. Consumer prices remained flat, although energy prices plunged and food prices increased.

Lower inflation generally makes inflationary-hedge investments in commodities like gold less attractive. And at least during Thursday early afternoon trading, the latest government report did not help with spot gold falling more than $45 as it neared a few quarters shy of $800 per ounce.

The CoinNews Inflation Calculator and rate charts with their updated 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 calculator measures the change in the buying power of the dollar over time.

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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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New York gold poked its head out of an eight day dark hole Wednesday only to jump back into it Thursday by dropping its previous day’s gain. Silver and platinum were also daily losers as investors eyed declining oil prices and a strong US dollar.

September crude-oil lost 99 cents from its Wednesday $2.99 gain to close at $115.01 a barrel.

Silver for September lost 61.5 cents to end at $14.23 an ounce.

October platinum fell $27.40 to close at $1,489.10 an ounce.

December gold shed $17 to close at $814.50 an ounce. It reached an earlier low point of $810.

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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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