While three points shy of the record set in December, that's still a very strong number.
The data still point to an acceleration of inflation in 2000, but hint ever so tantalizingly at the possibility that the worst may be past,
Judicious capital investments have allowed the small-business community to cut operating costs to the point where many are able to hold the line on -- or reduce -- consumer costs, improve employee compensation, withstand flat or lower sales and still generate higher profits,