51.   The less volatile core PPI rate, which excludes food and energy costs, probably rose at the same rate.

52.   The so-called core inflation rate, excluding volatile food and energy prices, rose by two-tenths of a percentage point in May.

53.   The year-on-year increase in the core rate, though, gives Bank of England Governor Eddie George grounds for backing an increase.

54.   This is because Federal Reserve policy makers can be expected to focus on the core consumer inflation rate, which excludes food and energy.

55.   Those core rates show an economy relatively free of price pressures, analysts said.

56.   Tobacco and cars were the main sources of pressure in the core rate.

57.   Traders said the market nevertheless elected to focus on the core inflation rate instead.

58.   Treasury prices fell Wednesday for the second consecutive day after a report showed that the core rate of producer prices in October rose more than expected.

59.   Wholesale food prices showed the largest drop in more than six years, and the closely watched core rate, which excludes food and energy costs, was unchanged.

60.   Many noted that the Fed had indicated that it is paying closer attention to the core inflation rate currently.