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As higher-income households do more shopping at Walmart, the store is stocking fancier brands

Mar 22, 2024
The fluorescent lit aisles of big box stores don’t scream luxury. But for certain items, consumers just don’t care.
The fluorescent lit aisles of big box stores don’t scream luxury. But for certain items, consumers just don't care.
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Unilever is planning to spin off its ice cream assets

Mar 19, 2024
The move, which would see Ben & Jerry's moved to a stand-alone unit, is part of a corporate restructuring.
Unilever and its new CEO want to cut out what’s not doing well and prioritize what they do best.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Recent immigrants have filled labor gaps, boosted job creation, experts say

Mar 15, 2024
There has been a wave of migration to the U.S. — legal and not — since 2022. Many who entered are finding and keeping jobs.
In 2022 and 2023, 5.9 million people migrated to the U.S., according to the Congressional Budget Office.
Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

Import prices rose more slowly in February. That could help bring down inflation.

Mar 15, 2024
The Labor Department reported that the price of imported goods rose 0.3% in February compared to 0.8% the month before.
Prices at the import level can affect prices that show up in other inflation data.
Julia Nikhinson/AFP via Getty Images

Chile cuts its working week to from 45 to 40 hours

Mar 13, 2024
Chile has approved a law saying that businesses need to cut their employees' hours from 45 hours to 40 hours a week to help give everyone a better work-life balance.
Employees at the company office of Home Mobili in Santiago, Chile.
MARTIN BERNETTI/AFP via Getty Images

Consumers might wish for prices to drop, but here's why deflation is not a good thing

Mar 12, 2024
Most of the time deflation is a signal of a struggling economy. Disinflation — when prices still increase, just more slowly — is the goal.
Once prices go up, it’s unusual for them to drop.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Even as hourly wages outpace inflation, rising prices take a bite

Mar 12, 2024
It’s been harder for lower- and middle-income households to afford higher food, rent and gas prices without getting into debt.
“We see higher wage growth since the recovery. But if people are working less, their total earnings are still less than inflation,” said ADP's Liv Wang.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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Is it possible that the economy has landed softly enough?

Mar 11, 2024
Fed Chairman Powell told a congressional committee not to expect a victory lap when and if the Fed decides it has finally beaten inflation.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks before a House Financial Services Committee hearing on monetary policy on March 6.
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

What do falling inflation and rising incomes mean for consumer spending?

Feb 29, 2024
The January PCE report showed inflation easing further but still significant. Moderation in spending could also continue, analysts say.
Wage growth was resilient in January, but Social Security and other factors added to income gains.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Steady GDP growth sets US apart from peer countries

Feb 28, 2024
The U.S. economy has been growing at a steady clip while many others are faltering.
Despite interest rate hikes to combat inflation, the U.S. economy has grown for six quarters in a row.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images