Summary
- The May number came in below the consensus estimate of 0.3%, but core inflation rose to 2.2% for the last 12 months.
- Increases in energy and shelter prices were offset by declines in food, apparel, and used cars.
- Non-seasonally adjusted inflation was up 0.41%, continuing a string of strong increases.
I posted an analysis on what this means for TIPS and I Bonds on SeekingAlpha.com, read that here.
I also updated my Tracking Inflation and I Bonds page with the new numbers.
Also, if you’re interested, you can view the new TIPS inflation indexes for July, which are posted here.
Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities 
This discussion raises in my mind what is the optimal amount of inflation bonds to hold in a diversified bond…