American businesses faced the biggest annual rise in wholesale prices in 27 years last month, just as the stumbling economy caused consumer spending to drop.

De Beers, the world’s largest producer of rough diamonds, said prices had increased an average of 16 percent since the beginning of the year.

De Beers, the world’s largest producer of rough diamonds, said prices had increased an average of 16 percent since the beginning of the year.

American businesses faced the biggest annual rise in wholesale prices in 27 years last month, just as the stumbling economy caused consumer spending to drop.

TechCrunch50, a new entrant in the technology conference market, has sparked a dispute over the ethics of the convention circuit and the fees charged to participants.

At many 99-cent stores, the signs still advertise rock-bottom prices, but much of the merchandise costs more.

At many 99-cent stores, the signs still advertise rock-bottom prices, but much of the merchandise costs more.

At many 99-cent stores, the signs still advertise rock-bottom prices, but much of the merchandise costs more.

Farmland in general is considered an excellent diversifier: historically, the returns are negatively correlated with stocks but tend to track inflation.

In just a few short months, the airlines have discovered to their glee that their customers are willing to pay for most everything from checked bags to pillows and blankets.