inflation

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Consumer Sentiment Near an All-Time Low

New index defies predictions that sentiment would rise in May

(Newser) - Americans appear to be growing more anxious about the economy, with consumer sentiment dropping for the fifth straight month to reach a three-year low. Details:
  • A closely watched index out of the University of Michigan fell to 50.8 in May, down roughly 3% from April's 52.2.
...

Inflation Cools More Than Expected
Inflation Cools
More Than Expected
May 13, 2025 8:11 AM CDT

Inflation Cools More Than Expected

Prices were up 2.3% in April, a bit lower than forecast

(Newser) - The latest inflation report shows that it cooled off a bit, and slightly more than expected, in April compared to last year:
  • Numbers: Consumer prices rose 2.3% in April when compared to April 2024, and most economists had forecast a gain of 2.4%, reports the Wall Street Journal
...

New Yorkers Are Getting Inflation Refunds

Tax cuts, free school meals also aim to tackle rising costs of living

(Newser) - More than 8 million New Yorkers are set to receive inflation refund checks after Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a $2 billion plan as part of the state's 2026 budget. The move, billed as the state's first-ever such payout, is meant to offset the rising cost of living...

Poll Finds Most Americans Are Givers

However, adults under 45 are more likely to report giving nothing to charity in the last year

(Newser) - Despite worries of a national "generosity crisis," a new poll reveals that most Americans still give to charity—though not always in large amounts. The poll by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows most Americans donated to charity in the past year, but overall giving...

Europe's Central Bank Cuts Rates Amid Trade Tensions

President Christine Lagarde warns of slower economic growth

(Newser) - The European Central Bank on Thursday did what President Trump is imploring America's central bank to do—cut interest rates. The ECB lowered its key rate from 2.5% to 2.25%, which the Wall Street Journal reports is its seventh cut in eight meetings. The bank cited...

US-China Friction Grows, and Markets Tank Again
US-China Friction
Only Gets Worse
THE RUNDOWN
Apr 10, 2025 11:05 AM CDT

US-China Friction Only Gets Worse

Stock market craters again after Wednesday's rise

(Newser) - When President Trump paused additional tariffs on much of the world Wednesday, he excluded China from the break. Those hoping the US and China might follow up with a separate deal on Thursday have been disappointed. In fact, things have only gotten worse on that front:
  • The White House clarified
...

Inflation Comes in Hotter Than Expected

Dow futures slip on the new numbers

(Newser) - An inflation gauge closely watched by the Federal Reserve remained high last month even before the impact of most tariffs has been felt, per the AP .
  • Friday's report from the Commerce Department showed that consumer prices increased in 2.5% in February from a year earlier, matching January's
...

4 Things to Know as Inflation Ticks Down

Economists expected things would be a bit worse

(Newser) - US inflation slowed last month for the first time since September—but the positive development may be a short-lived one, with additional tariffs on steel and aluminum that kicked in Wednesday threatening to send prices higher. What you need to know:
  • The key figures: The consumer price index increased 2.
...

Fed's Favorite Inflation Measure Drops

But consumers cut back sharply on spending in January

(Newser) - US consumers cut back sharply on spending last month, the most since February 2021, even as inflation declined, though stiff tariffs threatened by the White House could disrupt that progress. Americans cut their spending by 0.2% in January from the previous month, the Commerce Department said Friday, likely in...

Wall Street Journal Warns of 'Biggest Threat' to Trump

Editorial is worried about rising inflation

(Newser) - Inflation helped get President Trump elected to a second term, but it also poses the "biggest threat" to his presidency from a political standpoint, warns an editorial in the Wall Street Journal . Trump, of course, is not to blame for this week's inflation report showing an increase for...

7 Things You Need to Know as Inflation Ticks Up

The consumer price index increased 3% in January from a year ago

(Newser) - US inflation accelerated last month as the cost of groceries, gas, and used cars rose, a trend that will likely underscore the Federal Reserve's resolve to delay any further interest rate cuts. The consumer price index increased 3% in January from a year ago, Wednesday's report from the...

Say Goodbye to Quiksilver, Billabong, Volcom Stores

Brand operator blames inflation, competition from fast-fashion rivals

(Newser) - The company that operates Quiksilver, Billabong, and Volcom stores in the US says it can no longer compete with fast-fashion rivals in a tough retail environment. Liberated Brands has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and it plans to permanently close more than 100 stores on the US mainland selling...

Key Inflation Indicator Rose in December

Consumer prices are up 2.6% year-on-year

(Newser) - An inflation gauge closely watched by the Federal Reserve rose slightly last month, the latest sign that some consumer prices remain stubbornly elevated, even as inflation is cooling in fits and starts. Friday's report from the Commerce Department showed that consumer prices rose 2.6% in December from a...

Don't Look for Cheap Eggs Anytime Soon

Bird flu continues to ravage poultry farms

(Newser) - Bird flu is forcing farmers to slaughter millions of chickens a month, pushing US egg prices to more than double their cost in summer 2023. As the AP reports, it appears there may be no relief in sight, given the coming Easter demand. The average price per dozen nationwide hit...

The Seemingly Stuck Core Inflation Rate Just Budged

It hadn't been expected to decline, but did

(Newser) - US inflation picked up last month as prices rose for gas, eggs, and used cars, yet the AP reports underlying price pressures also showed signs of easing a bit. Wednesday's report from the Labor Department showed that the consumer price index rose 2.9% in December from a year...

The Fed Has Its Final Data Point Before Rate-Cut Decision

US inflation ticked up in November, but a cut is still expected

(Newser) - Fueled by pricier used cars, hotel rooms, and groceries, inflation in the United States moved slightly higher last month in the latest sign that some price pressures remain elevated. Consumer prices rose 2.7% in November from a year earlier, up from a yearly figure of 2.6% in October....

Christmas Tree Farms Face 'Historic Challenges'

Drought (and flooding), inflation, labor shortages are causing grief for farmers trying to make a buck

(Newser) - A Weather Channel report this week warned how drought is adversely affecting Christmas tree farms in the Northeast. Turns out that's not the only struggle these farms are facing, with growers "having to overcome historic challenges," per the Wall Street Journal . Those challenges include not only abnormally...

Walmart CFO: We'll Likely Hike Prices if Trump Brings in Tariffs

And that's not the only company warning it may pass costs of Trump's import plan onto consumers

(Newser) - Walmart had a better-than-expected third quarter, but consumers might not reap the benefits of that for long if President-elect Trump's threatened tariffs on imports come to pass. Trump said during his campaign that he plans on imposing a 10% to 20% tariff on imports in general, with fees as...

Grocery Shopping Is Most Expensive in These States

Visual Capitalist has the scoop on where groceries cost the most in the US

(Newser) - Curious how the price of eggs (and other groceries) is really looking across the country? Visual Capitalist has the scoop on how grocery shopping averages out across the US, with the median household dropping $270 on a weekly haul. That's up about 20% nationwide since August 2020. Wisconsin fared...

Inflation Falls Closer to Fed's Target Rate

American voters get last report before election as it cools to annual rate of 2.1%

(Newser) - An inflation gauge closely watched by the Federal Reserve has dropped to near pre-pandemic levels. It's the last such report on a subject high on voters' minds before Election Day.
  • The big stat: The Commerce Department reported that prices rose just 2.1% in September from a year earlier,
...

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