Is the world in a state of stagflation?
*The Wall Street Journal, by Paul Hannon, September 30, 2011:
''Euro-Zone Inflation Surges
Consumer prices in the 17-member euro zone rose at the fastest pace in
almost three years even as the economy slowed sharply, leaving the
European Central Bank's rate setters to make a very tough call when
they meet next week.
The European Union's official statistics agency Eurostat Friday said
consumer prices rose by 3.0% in the 12 months to September, up from
2.5% in August and well above the ECB's target of just below
2.0%. It was the fastest rise in prices since October 2008, and
under normal circumstances the response from the ECB's 23-member
governing council would be an immediate hike in its key interest rate.
But these aren't normal times, and other data indicate that the economy
is slowing sharply as confidence evaporates in the face of the currency
area's deepening fiscal crisis. A measure of activity compiled by
the Centre for Economic Policy Research and the Bank of Italy also
released Friday showed the economy grew at the slowest pace since the
end of the recession in August 2009.
The Eurocoin reading suggests that growth slowed further in the third
quarter, and is consistent with other timely measures of activity and
leading indicators. Taken together, they suggest that the ECB may
soon have to reverse its April and July rate rises.''
*This information is solely a highlight of the opinion of a third-party publication and is incomplete. Please subscribe to this publication for the full and timely opinion of the author and call a Monex Account Representative for any additional up-to-date information. This is not an offer to buy or sell precious metals. Investors should obtain advice based on their own individual circumstances and understand the risk before making any investment decision.
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