Is it really time to whip inflation now?

By Paul R. La Monica, CNNMoney
2009-5-26 12:34:05

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The nation has a 'flation problem. But it is deflation or inflation? Or maybe it's disinflation, stagflation or hyperinflation?

During this nearly year and a half long recession, deflation has been the major worry.

That's when prices are in a persistent state of decline, and the clearest example is in the housing market: home prices have been in free fall for some time. According to a report released Tuesday, prices dropped a record 19% in the first quarter.

But prices of many other assets, including stocks and commodities, have been rising lately. And so-called core consumer prices, which exclude volatile food and energy costs, have inched higher in the past few months.

	Investment Basic Investment Overview Investment Approache Fundamentals Data Investment Stories www.fxj108.com	Is it really time to whip inflation now? By Paul R. La Monica, CNNMoney 2009-5-26 12:34:05 NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The nation has a 'flation problem. But it is deflation or inflation? Or maybe it's disinflation, stagflation or hyperinflation? During this nearly year and a half long recession, deflation has been the major worry. That's when prices are in a persistent state of decline, and the clearest example is in the housing market: home prices have been in free fall for some time. According to a report released Tuesday, prices dropped a record 19% in the first quarter. But prices of many other assets, including stocks and commodities, have been rising lately. And so-called core consumer prices, which exclude volatile food and energy costs, have inched higher in the past few months.