What exactly is the Consumer Confidence Index? Why does it matter?

Jun 29, 2021
Consumer confidence is about intentions and expectations, helping us predict the future.
The Consumer Confidence Index helps provide a picture of how people feel about the economy.
Kevin Hagen/Getty Images

The economy seems great for some people, dire for others. What's going on?

Jun 24, 2021
There's a disconnect between rising GDP and consumer spending — and the number of people out of work.
GDP is growing but unemployment claims are still high in this two-tiered economy.
Alex Edelman/AFP via Getty Images

Consumer forecasts of inflation could be a self-fulfilling prophecy

Jun 14, 2021
A Federal Reserve survey found consumers are expecting inflation to hit 4% next year.
Consumers told the New York Fed they expect a 4% inflation rate next year. Officials with the central bank will meet this week to consider adjustments to their interest rate policy.
Scott Olson via Getty Images

NABE forecasters predict strong economic growth, ongoing recovery in 2021

May 24, 2021
The economists say they expect employment to recover and that recent price spikes for some consumer goods should moderate.
The economists surveyed also expect increases in inflation to be short-lived.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Slow U.S. population growth stiffens economic headwinds

Apr 27, 2021
Retirees are living longer, the working-age population is shrinking and birthrates are down in the U.S.
New census data suggests a looming labor shortage. Companies may respond by employing older workers or substituting technology for people.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Cost of child rearing in China hinders baby boom

Oct 9, 2020
Besides the high costs of raising children, the cost of living is often cited as one of the key deterrents for young parents.
Fang Zixian and his abundance of toys — the first generation in his family to have such items.
Charles Zhang/Marketplace

Universal basic income, blockchain and more: Reimagining the next decade

"If people don't have money in their pockets, then this type of economy that we have can't work," says Wharton professor Mauro Guillén.
Mauro Guillén says that the future uses of blockchain, the underlying technology for cryptocurrencies, include incentivizing "prosocial behavior" like energy conservation.
Petras Malukas/AFP via Getty Images

China's economy rebounds from COVID-19, growing 3.2% in the second quarter

That makes it the first major economy to rebound since COVID-19 hit.
For comparison, China's economy shrank 6.8% in the first quarter of 2020.
Greg Baker/AFP via Getty Images