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Economic Pulse

Why data on the economy doesn't match our feelings

by David Brancaccio and Ariana Rosas

Mar 10, 2025

Data doesn't always show a full picture. Example: Functional unemployment was 23.3% in January — very different than the 4% headline figure.

"[Net] wages haven't increased over the last 20 years" for middle- and low-income Americans, said Gene Ludwig. "For 60% of America, they've actually declined or been stagnant."

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

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