As we’ve noted here in the past, the Federal reserve in recent months has begun publishing its “ Underlying Inflation Gauge “ which takes into account a broader measure of inflation than the more-often used CPI measure.

When we say “inflation” in this context, of course, we mean price inflation, and not money-supply inflation. And it may prove to be a useful measure when comparing if we wish to compare price-inflation growth to wage or income growth.

According to the Federal Reserve’s Underlying Inflation Gauge, the 12-month inflation growth in June (the most recent month reported) was at 3.33 percent. That’s the highest rate recorded in 158 months, or more than 13 years. The last time the UIG measure was as high was in April 2005, when it was at 3.36 percent. 

[From the Rothbard Archive, originally published in The New York Times, September 4, 1971.]

On Tuesday, I looked at some recent research suggesting that both wealth and incomes are declining — all while the Fed’s monetary policy has become ever more interventionist and regulatory.

The conclusions involved were premised on some assertions about Fed policy.

Tom Woods joined Matt Welch of Reason TV for a wide ranging interview with topics including his transformation from a pro-war Republican to a passionately anti-war libertarian, the impact of Ron Paul on the liberty movement, and politics in the age of Donald Trump.