Dollar Index Disguises Global Inflation Threat

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A simple gut check will tell you that this is a consistent theme across nearly all goods and services, not just what's listed here. On average, the items charted above are 45% more expensive than they were in January 2005, with gasoline costing double. So, in just seven years, the dollar has lost about one-third of its spending power, its practical value, when measured against some of the most common goods purchased by the average family.