The Globe and Mail reports in its Saturday, May 31, edition that a key U.S. inflation gauge slowed last month, with President Donald Trump's tariffs not significantly raising prices. An Associated Press dispatch to the Globe reports that American spending decreased despite rising incomes, possibly reflecting early reactions to higher prices on some imports. Friday's Commerce Department report indicated that consumer prices rose 2.1 per cent in April, down from 2.3 per cent in March and the lowest since September. Core prices, excluding food and energy, increased 2.5 per cent year-over-year, down from 2.7 per cent in March and the lowest in over four years. Economists prefer tracking core prices for a clearer inflation outlook. Inflation continues to decline from its postpandemic peak of four decades in July, 2022. Economists warn that prices might rise again due to Mr. Trump's tariffs, although their impact is uncertain after recent court rulings. Overall prices and core prices increased by 0.1 per cent from March to April, with manufactured goods rising 0.5 per cent, offset by a 0.1-per-cent drop in other goods like groceries. Services also saw a modest 0.1-per-cent increase.