Wholesale Prices Jump

The 1.8% jump in the Producer Price Index, which tracks the costs of goods before they reach store shelves, came after wholesale prices rose 0.2% in May, the Labor Department reported. Economists expected a 0.9% gain last month.

The sharp rise in wholesale prices — as well as “core” prices that exclude food and energy — could spark fears about inflation. But economists believe the increases are temporary and not a signal of what’s ahead.

Many analysts expect the increase in energy prices will be short-lived and that the weak economy will restrain companies from ratcheting up their prices.