#inflation

#inflation

By some surveys, public opinion on the economy is roughly as negative as at the height of Biden-era inflation or even the 2008 global financial crisis. It appears to reflect some underlying weakness in the economic forces that most directly affect Americans' well-being, which are not evident in big-picture economic data. Driving the news: The new Axios Vibes survey by the Harris Poll shows 65% of Americans see themselves as either sometimes or regularly financially squeezed each month, up from 58% in June 2024.

Grande shared a post Sunday from liberal activist Matt Bernstein that included a paragraph that said, It's been 250 days. Now that immigrants have been violently torn from their families and communities have been destroyed, now that trans people have been blamed for virtually everything and live in fear, now that free speech is on the brink of collapse for us all has your life gotten better? Entertainment Weekly received a statement from the White House on the Wicked star's political statement online.

While many considerations, such as inflation, tariffs, and supply chain dynamics undoubtedly impact grocery prices, the price of eggs is especially sensitive. Factors like feed prices, flock size, and the avian flu contribute to this fluctuation. In 2025, eggs are recovering from a significant influx, surging from $8 in March before falling to $2.75 in August. This dramatic example shows how volatile the egg market really can be.

The Bank of England's decision to maintain the base interest rate at 4% until 2026 offers UK SMEs a rare opportunity amidst these ongoing economic challenges. This stability is crucial as inflation remains at 3.8%, creating a complex landscape that demands careful navigation by businesses. However, while stable interest rates can provide predictable borrowing costs - enabling SMEs to plan investments and manage cash flow - persistent inflation means that operational expenses are still rising, putting pressure on profit margins across various sectors.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell recently addressed the challenging economic situation faced by the United States, citing weakening labor market conditions and persistent inflation. Powell emphasized the Fed's dual mandate to maintain stable prices and maximum employment, acknowledging the risks on both fronts. Despite the concerns, Powell expressed optimism about the resilience of the U.S. economy amidst policy changes. While Powell defended the Fed's current rate policy, he hinted at the possibility of further rate cuts if necessary, emphasizing that policy decisions are not predetermined.

A slow week with little important economic news (other than yesterday's Bureau of Labor Statistics report on falling first-time unemployment filings) got busy in a hurry on Friday, with the U.S. Commerce Department revealing the personal consumption expenditures price index (PCE) increased 0.3% in August. The new data clocks the annual U.S. inflation rate at 2.7%. Volatile food and energy prices, once excluded to give a "core" inflation rate, rose 0.2% to 2.9%.

"The global economy has remained resilient, but the full effects of higher tariffs and policy uncertainty have yet to be felt. Global economic growth is projected to slow, and significant risks remain, as well as concerns about fiscal sustainability and financial stability," OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann said.

Established wisdom used to be that buying a game console at launch was a bad idea. It was the worst-possible version of the experience: launch consoles cost more and had fewer games, and often these consoles got not only cheaper but better over time, through revisions that made them smaller or added features. For the current generation, though, those who bought at launch look like geniuses - video game consoles just keep getting more expensive. And it couldn't come at a worse time for the industry.

By the numbers: Marion County's paycheck increase brought Indy's average weekly wages to $1,779, or around $137 more a week than last year's average pay, per BLS' preliminary numbers. In Hamilton County, average weekly wages rose 2.6%, or around $38, to $1,476. Hendricks County wages rose 2.2%, or around $35, to $1,083. Caveat: The data tracks where people earn their money, not where they live.

"Most businesses are making ­decisions to cut hours as they try to stay viable. We all want our staff to have a good standard of living but they have issues with housing, healthcare, childcare and energy costs, and we can't keep forcing those costs back on businesses. "We are now going from the best ­little country in the world to do business to the most expensive country in the world to do business... People have to start reading the tea leaves."

Mortgage rates have been mostly falling since late July on expectations of a Fed rate cut. The average rate on a 30-year mortgage was at 6.35% last week, its lowest level in nearly a year, according to mortgage buyer Freddie Mac. A similar pullback in mortgage rates happened around this time last year in the weeks leading up to the Fed's first rate cut in more than four years.

Fast food is getting expensive, and it's hard not to notice. What was once the go-to for quick, affordable meals has started to feel like a splurge. According to a Finance Buzz analysis, average fast food prices have jumped between 39% and 100% between 2014 and 2024 (inflation rose only 31% during that same period). Gone are the days of the true dollar menu.

For one in three Americans, a single surprise bill could spell financial crisis. That's according to a new survey by Empower, a retirement and financial services company, which found 32% of Americans have no emergency savings set aside. But not everyone is equally short on cash: Gen Zers have a median of $400 in their crisis funds, while boomers have saved up to five times as much.

Travel demand has soared back in the second half of the year, and that's good news for the economy at large, too, according to United Airlines' CEO. Scott Kirby told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Tuesday that demand significantly improved at the beginning of July. "It was like a light switch coming on," he added. The summer travel period is key for airlines, while Labor Day and Thanksgiving are also significant revenue drivers.