consumers

They don’t like the inflation rate, but they do like the current job market.

The PCE and CPI measure different things, but the message they send to consumers may influence expectations — that then can affect inflation.

Some essentials — notably food — may may maintain their price strength. Appliances and furniture may come down quicker.

Americans sent back $760 billion worth of stuff last year. Now higher shipping costs and rising returns are hurting companies’ bottom lines.

Wholesale inventories were up in April. But now, some stores have too much inventory while others struggle to get the inventory they need.

As inflation hits and consumers abandon pandemic spending habits, Target and others have the wrong kind of stuff on their hands.

For some, it’s about consumers spending less. For others, it’s about other businesses spending less.

Strong earnings from Nordstrom, Macy’s and Dollar General suggest pent-up demand and a reframing of what people consider essential spending.

The consumer economy, in particular.

President’s Day weekend is usually marked by sales. But both supply chain shortages and inflation are complicating the hunt for a bargain.