Changes

High inflation undermines the economy's ability to generate long-lasting growth and job creation. Consumers and investors may put off purchases because of uncertainty. High inflation erodes the value of incomes and savings. People on fixed incomes, including the elderly and poor are particularly vulnerable to inflation.  Social Security payments are adjusted to inflation.

High inflation undermines the economy's ability to generate long-lasting growth and job creation. Consumers and investors may put off purchases because of uncertainty. High inflation erodes the value of incomes and savings. People on fixed incomes, including the elderly and poor are particularly vulnerable to inflation.  Social Security payments are adjusted to inflation.

The common measure for consumers is the [[Consumer Price Index]] (CPI). Economists prefer a broader measure, the "inplicit GDP deflator", which includes the prices of non-consumer items like highways and factories.

The common measure for consumers is the [[Consumer Price Index]] (CPI). Economists prefer a broader measure, the "implicit GDP deflator", which includes the prices of non-consumer items like highways and factories.

In the U.S. the inflation rate was near zero in 2009.  

In the U.S. the inflation rate was near zero in 2009.