Is the recent drop in US inflation a sign of fresh economic weakness?

Washington

THE United States has a problem: not enough inflation. That notion is a bit of a head-scratcher. Most people don't like inflation. They would prefer that a dollar tomorrow be worth the same as a dollar today.

But a recent drop in inflation may be a sign of fresh economic weakness and is perplexing to Federal Reserve officials who are wrapping up the central bank's stimulus campaign.