Getting Real with GDP

Source Safe Haven:

With the release of last week's Consumer Price inflation numbers, the debate over the accuracy of the government's reported Consumer Price Index data was once again front and center. The official numbers showed that the overall rate of consumer inflation rose .2% while the over-hyped core rate rose just a paltry .1%.

However, these incredible April numbers were the result of a seasonal adjustment that removed much of the increase in gasoline prices. Unbelievably, the report claimed that consumer's energy costs were unchanged while the actual price of crude oil rose about 12.5% and gas prices rose 11% during the same period in question -- that's some adjustment!

One of the reasons it is imperative to accurately calculate inflation is that you need a true reading on price increases in order to get a true reading on economic growth. If we used an accurate inflation rate to deflate nominal G.D.P.

...

Using the government's data on year-over-year inflation growth rates instead of chain, the recession began in Q4 2007 and the last two quarters produced negative real G.D.P growth rates. I hasten to add that investors know this; they experience real-world inflation everyday and know actual economic growth is much weaker than reported.

Economy In Crisis relies on financial support from its readers. Learn more.

Your endorsement is greatly appreciated. Click here for other ways to get involved.