Inflation

Loans are a big cost, but they would muddle the data in the CPI. Fed rate hikes would essentially create inflation, despite their intention.

Consumers forecast inflation at 3.3% this time next year and are less confident that their earnings will rise as much as they had expected.

The credit bureau TransUnion is out with a report showing that borrowers aged 22 to 24 are carrying an average of $2,834 in credit card debt — about a quarter more than millennials in the same age range a decade ago.

More than 60% of people over 50 are worried they won’t have enough money to live on in retirement, which is more than last year, according to a recent survey from AARP.

Inflation continues to be a key factor but richer folks have greater protection from its effects.

This marks the end of a six-quarter streak of GDP growth of 2% or more. But the downshift might not be cause for worry just yet.

The greenback is so strong that Japan and South Korea have complained.

Administrative costs and a lack of political will are leading some states to turn down a new food aid program for children.

From 1984 to 2023, the median cost of a new home rose from $79,900 to $417,700, more than double the rate of overall price inflation.

That's good for workers, who have been experiencing positive real wage growth since May 2023.