Long Term Perspective

Prices of crude and intermediate materials excluding food and energy seemed to peak in early 2000 on a year over year basis. In the third quarter, price increases have become smaller - which bodes well for the finished goods index.

Short Term Perspective

Crude goods prices (excluding food and energy) have decreased in each of the past six months on a year over year basis, and in October, were roughly unchanged from a year ago.

PPI: Intermediate vs. Crude Materials   •   Excluding Food & Energy Prices: Intermediate vs. Crude   •   CPI vs. PPI - Finished Goods

Excluding Food & Energy Prices : CPI vs. PPI   •   Employment Cost Index vs. Wages & Salaries   •   Alternative Inflation Measures