An inflation meaasure watched by the Fed eases to 5.5%


              FILE - Washing machines are displayed with other appliances at Sam's Appliances TV & Furniture, Thursday, March 25, 2021, in Norwood, Mass. On Friday the Commerce Department issues its November report on consumer spending. The report contains a measure of inflation that is closely watched by the Federal Reserve, which has aggressively tried to corral inflation this year by raising its key lending rate seven times. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)
            
              FILE - A mechanic drains oil from a car at an auto repair shop, Wednesday, July 13, 2022, in Collingdale, Pa. On Friday the Commerce Department issues its November report on consumer spending. The report contains a measure of inflation that is closely watched by the Federal Reserve, which has aggressively tried to corral inflation this year by raising its key lending rate seven times. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)
            
              FILE - New cars are delivered to a dealer in Pittsburgh on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022. On Friday the Commerce Department issues its November report on consumer spending. The report contains a measure of inflation that is closely watched by the Federal Reserve, which has aggressively tried to corral inflation this year by raising its key lending rate seven times. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)
            
              FILE - Shoppers are silhouetted against the sky as they arrives for a sale at a Best Buy store Friday, Nov. 25, 2022, in Overland Park, Kan. On Friday the Commerce Department issues its November report on consumer spending. The report contains a measure of inflation that is closely watched by the Federal Reserve, which has aggressively tried to corral inflation this year by raising its key lending rate seven times. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)
An inflation meaasure watched by the Fed eases to 5.5%