By Dan Weil Roaring inflation has stifled the economy this year, with consumer prices soaring 7.7% nationally in October. Raging inflation has been problem No. 1 for the economy this year, with consumer prices soaring 7.7% in the 12 months through October. You’ve probably noticed this yourself when you’re at the grocery store, at the gasoline pump, and particularly when you’re paying your rent or trying to buy a new house. As for what caused the inflation, “the main factor is demand exceeding supply for a whole host of goods in the U.S. economy,” Amitrajeet Batabyal, professor of Economics at …