Jeanna Smialek and Ana Swanson

People are snapping up chickens that are “heavy layers” in response to egg inflation. The chick situation holds lessons about the broader economy.

Prices have increased rapidly since last year, but barely budged in July — a positive development, though not yet enough for a victory lap.

Supplies of goods are coming up short in the pandemic, and prices have jumped. Some economists warn that the changes could linger.