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Eat more chicken? That could be message from burger chains
Rising beef prices might not mean the cost of a Whopper is going to skyrocket, but it could mean you'll be encouraged to order a chicken sandwich instead.
Consumer prices steady, but drought could mean hikes
WASHINGTON — U.S. consumer prices were unchanged in July from June, as a small drop in energy costs offset slightly higher food prices. The consumer price index hasn’t increased since March, evidence that the weak economy is keeping inflation in check. Core consumer prices, which exclude volatile food and energy costs, ticked up 0.1 percent […]
Del., Md. governors seek EPA help with corn prices
DOVER, Del. — The governors of Delaware and Maryland are joining an effort to persuade federal officials to ease renewable fuel standards because of a severe drought that has led to a drop in corn supplies and a corresponding increase in corn prices. Govs. Jack Markell of Delaware and Martin O’Malley of Maryland sent a […]
USDA says drought will push up food prices in 2013
MINNEAPOLIS — The record drought gripping half the country will help push food prices up by 3 percent to 4 percent next year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said Wednesday. Milk, eggs, beef, poultry and pork prices will all be affected by the drought, which has pushed up prices for feed. Beef prices are expected […]
Cheaper gas keeps consumer prices flat
WASHINGTON — Consumer prices were unchanged in June, held down by cheaper gas. Outside the volatile food and energy categories, inflation was mild. Weak economic growth is limiting the ability of companies to raise prices. The tame inflation was underscored by a 0.2 percent drop in consumer prices for the April-June period as a whole. […]
Consumer prices up as gas, clothing costs rise
WASHINGTON — Consumer prices rose modestly in January on higher costs for food, gas, rent and clothing. But economists downplayed the increase, saying inflation will likely ease in the coming months as prices for raw materials level off. Separately, a gauge of future economic activity rose in January for the fourth straight month, adding to […]
Consumer prices, unemployment claims rise
WASHINGTON — Consumers paid more for a range of goods and services last month, and unemployment benefit applications jumped last week to the highest level in three months. The latest data offered a picture of an economy facing inflationary pressures and a depressed job market. The Consumer Price Index rose 0.4 percent in August, the […]
Smaller corn surplus could push food prices higher
NEW YORK — Food prices could rise next year because an unseasonably hot summer is expected to damage much of this year’s U.S. corn crop. The Department of Agriculture estimates a surplus of 672 million bushels of corn will be left over at the end of next summer. The estimated surplus is down from last […]
U.S. service sector grew in June, but at slower pace
WASHINGTON — The U.S. service sector, which employs nearly 90 percent of America’s work force, expanded for a 19th consecutive month in June. But growth slowed from May, a sign that the economy remains sluggish. The Institute for Supply Management said Wednesday that its index for service companies dipped 53.3 in June from 54.6 in […]
Relief from high gas, food prices is in sight
WASHINGTON — Americans are finally getting some relief from high gas and food prices. Wholesale food prices fell last month by the most in nearly a year, and gas prices keep dropping after peaking in May. A separate survey suggests CEOs are feeling more optimistic and will hire more in the second half of this […]
Food prices slightly lower
ROME — Global food prices fell slightly in May, but they will remain “at stubbornly high levels” for months to come, a U.N. agency said Tuesday. The Food and Agriculture Organization said high and volatile prices can be expected the rest of this year and into 2012, citing a decline in food stockpiles and modest […]
April consumer spending shows weak gain
WASHINGTON — Consumers spent more in April but much of the increase was eaten up by higher food and energy prices. After discounting for the jump in prices, spending barely budged and after-tax incomes were flat for a second straight month. Consumer spending rose 0.4 percent, reflecting a surge in the category that covers food […]
