The key contribution to the decline in inflation in that quarter came from food prices again. Growth in fruit and vegetable prices fell short of what would be a typical hike for that time of the year, while processed food prices declined through cheapening of their inputs, such as wheat and corn.
Also, credit conditions in the United States have eased for some types of loans, as bank capital and asset quality have strengthened. Fiscal policy Fiscal policy, at all levels of government, has been and continues to be an important determinant of the pace of economic growth.