Inflation data points to "firming economy"

``In a sign of stronger demand in the economy, consumer prices outside of food and energy rose 0.2 percent, just above the pace clocked in April. These so-called "core" consumer prices, which U.S. central bankers monitor closely because they are less volatile, were up 1.7 percent in the 12 months through May. The increase last month matched April's gains and supported the view that a worrisome downward trend in core inflation, which began a year ago, might be coming to an end.'' -- Yay for inflation!