Despite consistent hiring, relatively few layoffs and gradually cooling inflation, many Americans have been exasperated by still-high prices.
economy
Fed chair: U.S. inflation cooling again, though it isn’t yet time to cut rates
If the Fed cuts rates too soon, inflation could re-accelerate. But if it waits too long to reduce borrowing costs, it risks weakening the economy so much as to potentially cause a recession.
Fed diverges from global peers in new era of higher for longer
The Fed staying on hold raises questions around harmful foreign-exchange volatility and risks undermining progress on getting inflation down, according to analysis by Bloomberg Economics.
Yellen says China’s trade policies could ‘interfere significantly’ with U.S. bilateral relationship
Yellen’s speech comes as former President Donald Trump presents his case before the Business Roundtable in Washington, an association of more than 200 CEOs, for why the economy would be better if he returned to the Oval Office.
Inflation pressures lingering from pandemic are keeping Fed rate cuts on pause
In the U.S., a big reason why inflation remains above the Fed’s target is that distortions stemming from the pandemic are still keeping prices elevated.
Major retailers are offering summer deals to entice inflation-weary shoppers
Target, Walmart and other chains have rolled out price cuts – some permanent, others temporary – with the stated aim of giving their customers some relief.
Target reports sales decline as discretionary spending remains tepid
U.S. consumers remain resilient, though the broader environment remains complicated and challenging, executives said.
Voters prefer Trump over Biden on economy. This data shows why
In an April poll, respondents said by 51% to 32% they were doing better financially under Trump than Biden.
Despite numbers showing a healthy economy overall, lower-income spenders are showing the strain
Remarkably resilient spending by U.S. consumers overall has been one of the main reasons the economy has avoided a recession, at least so far.
U.S. employers scaled back hiring in April. How that could let Fed cut interest rates
The Fed has been delaying any consideration of interest rate cuts until it gains more confidence that inflation is steadily slowing.