Prices finally fell last month after 3.5 years of increases

New government data showed prices notching a monthly decline for the first time since April 2020, adding to an improving picture on inflation as the new year looms. The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Index, one of two major readings on inflation, fell by 0.1% between October and November , the Bureau of Economic Analysis said Friday — the first monthly decline in more than three and a half years. Combined with other recent data showing disposable personal income and consumer sentiment rising, the United States’ economy appears to be heading into 2024 on strong footing even as it cools down. That has boosted expectations…