Have you noticed higher prices? Inflation hasn't been this high since 2008. Much of the increase in prices lately is tied to the reopening economy as well as huge dollops of federal stimulus aid.
The numbers: A key barometer of inflation rose again in April and hit a 13-year high, reflecting a broad surge in consumer prices as the U.S. fully reopens for business and massive government stimulus sloshes through the economy.
A separate measure of inflation that strips out food and energy also surged to the highest level since 1992. Big picture: A debate is being waged on Wall Street and Washington: Is higher inflation here to stay? Adding to the problem are ongoing shortages of key materials and supplies because of disruptions caused by the pandemic. That’s also causing prices to surge.