Prices in the US fell in the year to March, marking the first annual decline since 1955 and easing fears that aggressive government stimulus measures could kick-start inflation.
The drop in prices could ease pressure on consumers who have seen their wealth savaged by the economic downturn, but companies remain under severe pressure to cope with eroding demand.
Official figures revealed separately yesterday showed industrial production plunging 12.8 per cent in the year to March while manufacturing output fell at the fastest rate since the end of the second world war.
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