consumers

What companies say about future pricing can tell us how much consumers can really afford.

Consumers might end up getting refunds, but it’s complicated — it will be up to business owners to decide what to do with refunds, if they do end up coming through.

As war in the Middle East disrupts global supply, governments are urging individuals to conserve — even as most energy demand comes from industry and transportation.

Businesses are passing costs on to customers, consolidating packages and, in some cases, taking shipping into their own hands.

Driven by the younger generations, consumers are turning to online resale options in search of affordability, sustainability, and the thrill of the hunt.

An informal economic indicator from inside a pawn shop.

A wave of consolidation is reshaping the middle aisles of the grocery store, as conglomerates sell off food brands to focus on their core businesses. Experts say as fewer companies control more of the market, it gets easier for them to raise prices.

The rising cost of energy is likely to offset gains from 2025 tax cuts.

A new survey from the Peter G. Peterson Foundation said fiscal confidence is the lowest it’s been in a couple of years.

Both Dollar Tree and Dollar General saw their same-store sales rise last year, but the outlook for 2026 is more subdued.