[upchuck]

From the article:

Though American consumers might dispute the notion that inflation has been low, the indicators the Fed follows show it to be running well below the target rate of 2 percent that would have to come before interest rates would get pushed higher.

The "indicators" the Fed follows... Must not be grocery prices. Must not be gasoline. Must not be automobiles. Must not be the cost of veterinary care.

For me, all of these, with the possible exception of gasoline, have exploded for me the last few years.

And, no, I don't "hoard" money. It has practically no value anymore.

I fear this country is headed for the Mother of all collapses. It ain't gonna be pretty and it ain't gonna be nice. As a result, I spend a considerable amount of money stocking up on things that will become valuable during a severe downturn. Like food and toilet paper for example. Best get yours while you can.

And remember, you can never have enough guns and ammo.

[Red in Blue PA]

....or guns.

Picked up an FN five seven this past weekend.

[Paul R.]

I think you and several others have hit upon something that is a significant factor, though surely not the only factor:

A great many people have purchased firearms and stocked up on ammunition, instead of putting that money in the bank, or spending it on typical consumer items (new stereo, etc.). Guns and ammo are not exactly cheap commodities, anymore. I would suspect that firearms and ammo are NOT factored into the Cost of Living Index in a real world fashion, if, indeed, at all.