Consumer prices posted their smallest increase in more than 50 years in 2008. A government report today (Friday) said the sagging economy is keeping inflation in check, and slashing demand for energy. Serious U.S. economic problems are at the top of President-elect Barack Obama’s agenda as he tries to rally public support for a plan to stimulate the economy with government spending and tax cuts. Mr. Obama has said he hopes to create half a million jobs with investments in clean energy projects.