The divergence between core and headline inflation has divided pundits for some time, on the one hand giving hope and rationalizing low interest rates, and on the other giving cause for buying gold and selling bonds. The optimists say that the relatively low core rate of inflation, which excludes energy prices, is the true measure of price trends. The pessimists say otherwise, claiming that the higher headline rate of inflation, which factors in energy, more accurately depicts the real world.