Martin Crutsinger

AP Economics Writer

Consumers shop as they wear a mask at a Walmart store in Vernon Hills, IL on May 23.

US Consumer Confidence Hits Highest Mark Since Pandemic Began

Consumer sentiment is expected to keep rising in coming months which will provide more support for consumer spending.

In this April 29, 2020 photo, a shopper wears a mask as she looks over meat products at a grocery store in Dallas.

Higher Food Costs Lead Rise in April Wholesale Prices

The 0.6 percent increase in the producer price index was double the gain that economists had been forecasting.

A shopper loads her basket next to a display of paper towels in a Costco warehouse in this photograph taken on Nov. 18 in Sheridan, CO.

November Consumer Prices Rise 0.2%

A rise in the cost of energy and a number of other goods offset a drop in food costs.

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Wholesale Prices Up 0.3% as Food Costs Jump

Food costs rose 2.4 percent, the biggest increase since a 5.6 percent surge in May that was tied to shortages caused by the pandemic.

In this May 10, 2020 photo, a shopper pushes his cart past a display of packaged meat in a grocery store in southeast Denver.

September US Wholesale Prices up 0.4% Amid Higher Food Prices

It reflected in part a 1.2 percent increase in food costs, the sharpest rise since a 5.6 percent spike in May when many food plants were shut down.

In this Dec. 12, 2019 file photo, workers process chickens at the Lincoln Premium Poultry plant, Costco Wholesale's dedicated poultry supplier, in Fremont, NE.

US Wholesale Prices Up 0.3% in August Amid Lower Food Costs

The latest producer price index — which measures inflation before it reaches consumers — followed a 0.6% surge in July.

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May Wholesale Prices Rose 0.4%

The increase followed three straight months of decline.