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Costs rose at an accelerating pace for producers and wholesalers in May 2018 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistic’s Producer Price Index.  After rising just 0.1 percent in April, this price proxy jumped 0.5 percent.  Compared to a year ago, this indicator is 3.1 percent higher, marking the fast year-over-year uptick since January 2012 when it reached the same level. <

Consumers are paying more for goods and services according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index (CPI).  In May 2018, this measure of inflation rose 0.2 percent for a second consecutive period .  Compared to a year earlier, CPI gained 2.8 percent, increasing at the fastest pace in six years.

International trade in goods and services improved in April 2018 according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.  They estimate the trading deficit shrank $1.0 billion to $46.2 billion after March’s tally was revised from the original shortfall of $49.0 billion.  Year-to-date, America’s trade deficit is up 11.5 percent or $20.8 billion to $201.7 billion.

Incomes and outlays improved to start the second quarter of this year according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.  Personal income rose 0.3 percent in April 2018, and spending jumped 0.6 percent.  Disposable personal income (DPI), aka after-tax pay, rose 0.4 percent or $60.9 billion, leading to some decay in the nation’s savings rate.