Consumers are cranky though the economy is OK

Jan 8, 2024
Worries about inflation persist even as wages are rising but will consumer sentiment improve this year?
A portrait showing the sentiment of the modern American consumer.
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Streaming, housing, gas: How much did prices change in 2023?

Dec 29, 2023
Your monthly streaming bill and mortgage payment might have gone up, but gas and egg prices cooled down.
This has been “the least affordable year for homebuying on record," according to a report from Redfin.
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So when do we all start accepting that high inflation isn't a thing any more?

Dec 26, 2023
Businesses may not have an incentive to lower prices if consumers are still in an inflation mindset.
Spending on discretionary items can be tougher to cut back on when everything costs more. Some consumers see that extra spending as a way to cope with the stress of inflation, says Andy Manthei at GreenPath Financial Wellness.

Restaurants outpacing grocery stores when it comes to inflation

Dec 25, 2023
Supermarkets and restaurants business relies on selling food. So why are prices rising more in the latter?
On average, labor costs eat up about 30% of a restaurant’s gross revenue.
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How holiday tamale makers are managing inflation

Dec 20, 2023
We talked to two Albuquerque tamale makers about handling their costs and gearing up for the festive seasonal push.
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What's the difference between disinflation and deflation?

Dec 18, 2023
Inflation has fallen sharply in the last year and a half, but prices haven't come down. Economists say that's not a bad thing.
You can compare changes in consumer prices to driving a car. Disinflation is like reducing  your speed, but still moving ahead. Deflation, however, would be driving in reverse.
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Wage hikes lighten the burden of inflation, but it still weighs on some workers

Dec 18, 2023
Average pay raises last year slightly outpaced inflation but the price rises of previous years are still hurting some.
While prices for things like food and transportation take up a larger percentage of lower-income workers' budgets, they're unlikely to come back down.
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Atlanta Fed president: "This economy has even exceeded my expectations of resilience"

Dec 15, 2023
"Wage growth now is greater than inflation," Bostic says. "But I don't think people feel like they've caught up all the way and that's just going to take some time."
In the fight to bring down inflation, Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic emphasizes being  "patient, cautious and resolute."
Courtesy Atlanta Federal Reserve

Is "good news" good news for the economy right now?

Dec 14, 2023
When inflation was high, good news for workers could be bad news for prices. But it looks like the labor market is in better balance.
Strong labor market data — in other words, good news for workers — could keep the Federal Reserve's interest rate policy where it is, which would be good news for savers but bad news for borrowers.
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Why gas prices are trending downward

Dec 14, 2023
Several factors are keeping prices at the pump low — including the greater number of EVs and hybrids on the road.
Gas inflation is down nearly 9% year-over-year. 
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