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 and fourth quarters, price increases have become smaller - which bodes well for the finished goods index.

Short Term Perspective
Prices of crude materials and intermediate goods excluding food and energy have drifted lower in the past twelve months. This bodes well for the finished goods index.

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