EconomyPolitics
Iran War's Uneven Toll: Investors Win, Consumers Pay
Six months into the Iran war, stock markets surged while consumers face higher fuel, food and travel costs. The Wall Street-Main Street divide widens.
—6 min read
Tag
#Inflation
90 articles
Economy
Belgian Inflation Accelerates to 3.97% in August
Belgian inflation accelerated for the second consecutive month to 3.97% in August, driven by surging energy prices and geopolitical tensions.
—4 min read
Economy
Fed Chair Warsh Signals Rate Hikes as Inflation Persists
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh signals rate hikes may be needed as inflation stays elevated, sending bond yields higher and markets bracing for September.
—7 min read
Business & Economy
Walmart Posts Slowest Sales Growth in Six Years
Walmart reports slowest US sales growth in six years as gas prices and inflation squeeze consumers, sending shares down 9%.
—5 min read
Economy
US Retail Sales Slump as Summer Tax-Refund Boost Fades
US retail sales fell 0.6% in July, the biggest drop in over a year, as tax-refund spending faded and gas prices rose amid Iran war tensions.
—5 min read
Economy
Inflation Cools in July But Consumer Spending Declines
July inflation cooled to 3.4% but retail sales fell 0.6%, the biggest drop in over a year, as American households pull back on spending.
—5 min read
Economy
Wholesale Inflation Slows as Gas and Food Costs Fall
Wholesale price inflation slowed in July as gas and food costs fell, giving the Federal Reserve more room to hold rates steady at its September meeting.
—5 min read
Economy
Five Economic Takeaways: Inflation, Spending, and Trends
This week's economic data reveals key trends in inflation, consumer spending, grocery prices, and gas costs affecting American households.
—5 min read
Economy
Mortgage Rates Dip for First Time in Six Weeks
Mortgage rates fell slightly for the first time in six weeks, offering a small reprieve for homebuyers, though rates remain higher than last year.
—5 min read
Economy
July Inflation Cools to 3.4%, Offering Fed Reprieve on Rates
U.S. inflation eased to 3.4% in July, giving the Federal Reserve breathing room as it weighs its September rate decision amid elevated energy prices.
—6 min read
Economy
China's July CPI Rises 0.5% Year-on-Year
China's July CPI rose 0.5% year-on-year, the slowest since January, as falling gasoline prices offset AI-driven electronics gains and summer travel demand.
—7 min read
Economy
China's July Inflation Cools as Imports Outpace Exports
China's July CPI rose 0.5% as import growth outpaced exports by 8 percentage points in the first seven months, signaling shifting trade dynamics.
—6 min read
Business & Economy
Belgian Inflation Rises to 3.8%, Highest Among Neighbors
Belgian inflation rose to 3.8% in Q2 2026, the highest among neighboring countries, driven by energy price surges from the Middle East conflict.
—4 min read
Economy
Mortgage Rates Rise 5th Straight Week to 6.69%
Average 30-year U.S. mortgage rate rose to 6.69%, the fifth straight weekly increase and highest since July 2025, as Iran war pushes up yields.
—6 min read
Economy
'Treat Yourself' Economy: Americans Choose Small Luxuries
Americans are carving out room for small luxuries despite economic pressures, fueling a 'treat yourself' economy with record movie attendance.
—4 min read
Economy
Americans Turn to Small Luxuries as Prices Keep Rising
The 'lipstick effect' is reshaping American spending as consumers shift to affordable indulgences amid inflation and economic uncertainty.
—4 min read
Economy
Belgian Energy Prices Surge for 60% of Households in August
Energy prices for August rise significantly for 60% of Belgian households as Middle East tensions drive up gas costs, adding pressure on families.
—4 min read
EconomyPolitics
US Economy Grows at Sluggish 1.5% as Inflation Persists
US GDP grew just 1.5% in Q2 2026 as consumer spending surged. Inflation stayed stubbornly high at 3.7%, complicating the Fed's path ahead of midterms.
—6 min read
EconomyPersonal Finance
Personal Bankruptcy Filings Jump 48% as Pressures Mount
Personal bankruptcy filings surged 48% from 2022 to 2025 as credit card debt and medical costs drive more Americans into financial distress.
—6 min read
BusinessEconomy
Fed Holds Rates Steady as Warsh Signals Caution on Hikes
The Federal Reserve held rates at 3.50%-3.75% as Chair Kevin Warsh balanced cooling inflation against risks from the Iran conflict and rising oil prices.
—6 min read
EconomyPolitics
Consumer Confidence Falls on Iran-Driven Gas Price Hike
American consumer confidence fell to 90.8 in July as the Iran conflict pushed gas prices back up to $4.10, raising fresh inflation and political concerns.
—4 min read
EconomyUS Politics
Fed Chair Warsh Under Pressure as Inflation Test Looms
Fed Chair Warsh faces a critical test at the July FOMC meeting as persistent inflation and Iran-driven gas prices test his anti-inflation rhetoric.
—6 min read
EconomyPolitics
Trump's Tariffs: 5 Implications for the US Economy
President Trump's permanent tariffs on 80+ countries add $1,100 in annual household costs. Here are five implications as court battles continue.
—4 min read
EconomyPolitics
Trump's Tariffs: 5 Key Implications for the US Economy
Trump's new tariffs take effect, driving up household costs, complicating Fed policy, and straining global trade. Here are five key implications.
—4 min read
Economy
10-Year Treasury Yield Hits Highest Under Trump Second Term
Treasury yield hit 4.7%, highest under Trump, as oil topped $100 on Iran war fears, reigniting inflation and pushing mortgage rates higher.
—5 min read
EconomyEnergy
Oil Prices Surge Past $90 Per Barrel as Tensions Rise
Brent crude rises above $90/barrel for first time since June as renewed US-Iran hostilities disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
—4 min read
Politics
Trump Softens Tone on Jimmy Carter Amid Iran, Inflation
President Trump shifts his rhetoric on Jimmy Carter as he faces Iran war, inflation, and legacy questions eerily similar to Carter's single term.
—5 min read
EconomyFinance
Spilindex Crossed: 5 Million Belgians Get 2% Wage Rise
Belgium's spilindex has been exceeded, triggering automatic 2% wage increases for over 5 million workers. The centenindex cap now applies.
—4 min read
Politics
Trump Shifts Tone on Carter Amid Iran War, Inflation
Trump shifts tone on Jimmy Carter amid striking parallels: an ongoing Iran war, rising inflation, and concerns about his own presidential legacy.
—5 min read
EconomySocial Policy
Social Security COLA Forecast: 3.8% in 2027
New forecasts project a 3.8% Social Security COLA for 2027, pushing average monthly benefits above $2,000 for the first time amid persistent inflation.
—4 min read
EconomyPolitics
Warsh Vows to Beat Inflation, Defend Fed Independence
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh told Congress inflation won't persist on his watch, announced five task forces, and defended the central bank's independence.
—5 min read
EconomyUS
Inflation Cools in June as Gas Prices Fall, Easing Fed
US inflation fell to 3.5% in June as gas prices dropped 9.7%, the largest CPI decline in four years. Core inflation eased, reducing pressure on the Fed.
—5 min read
EconomyPolitics
Inflation Cools to 3.5% as Warsh Vows to Defeat Price Surge
June CPI cools to 3.5% as Fed Chair Warsh vows regime change. Iran war threatens new price spikes, creating a delicate balancing act for policymakers.
—5 min read
Economy
Americans Rely on Credit Cards for Groceries as Costs Surge
Urban Institute study finds 1 in 4 working-age Americans using credit cards for groceries can't pay their bills, as food prices rise 32% over five years.
—5 min read
TechnologyEconomy
200+ Economists Warn AI Threatens Jobs and Economy
Over 200 economists, including 16 Nobel laureates, warn AI could transform the economy faster than the Industrial Revolution as AI spending raises prices.
—5 min read
Economy
China's June Core CPI Rises Moderately as AI Demand Surges
China's June CPI rose 1.0% YoY as core inflation held steady, while AI-driven manufacturing sectors saw strong demand growth.
—4 min read
EconomyConsumer
Gas Prices Are Swinging: How to Budget for Volatility
Gas prices are swinging wildly due to the Iran war. Experts share budgeting strategies to manage fuel cost volatility and protect your wallet.
—6 min read
EconomyEurope
Belgium Fuel Prices Surge as Diesel Tops €2 Per Liter Again
Belgian diesel prices exceed €2 per liter again, gasoline also rises amid Middle East tensions and Strait of Hormuz disruptions.
—5 min read
EconomyPolitics
Trump Claims Credit for Walmart Price Cuts, Company Silent
President Trump says Walmart cut prices at his administration's request, but the retailer's official statement makes no mention of the White House.
—5 min read
EconomyBelgium
Belgian Supermarket Inflation Turns Negative for First Time
Supermarket inflation in Belgium has turned negative for the first time, with prices falling 0.41% in June. Test Achats reports relief for shoppers.
—4 min read
Economy
US Hiring Slows Sharply in June as Consumer Gloom Persists
U.S. employers added just 57,000 jobs in June, far below expectations, as consumer confidence remains historically low amid war-induced inflation.
—4 min read
EconomyPolitics
Trump Announces Gas Price Cuts Ahead of July 4 Celebration
Trump announces Freedom Fuel Network will cut gas prices at 25 Philadelphia-area stations on July 3, as the administration pressures retailers.
—4 min read
EconomyFinance
Warsh: Inflation Risks Have Declined in Recent Weeks
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh says inflation risks have declined, citing falling energy prices after the US-Iran deal. He also addressed AI and Fed independence.
—5 min read
EconomyPolitics
Treasury Warns Gas Stations in Price Gouging Probe
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warns gas stations to lower prices as crude oil plummets, launching a price gouging probe. Trump demands $2.50/gallon.
—5 min read
EconomyBusiness
Belgian Inflation Drops to 3.4% in June, Triggers Indexation
Belgian inflation eased to 3.4% in June, crossing the spilindex threshold and triggering wage indexation in September under new centenindex rules.
—4 min read
Economy
Key Inflation Gauge Hits 3-Year High as Mortgage Rates Climb
The Fed's preferred inflation gauge surged to 4.1% in May, a three-year high, as mortgage rates hover near 6.5% and the Iran war drives energy costs.
—5 min read
EconomyPolitics
Inflation Hits 3-Year High as Iran War Lifts Energy Prices
The Fed's preferred inflation gauge hit 4.1% in May, a three-year high, driven by energy costs from the Iran war. Core inflation rose to 3.4%.
—5 min read
EconomyFinance
Kevin Warsh Takes Over as Fed Chair: What Changes to Expect
Kevin Warsh takes over as Federal Reserve Chair, bringing shorter statements, hawkish signals, and task forces. Here's what his leadership means.
—5 min read
EconomyAgriculture
China's Pork Prices Rebound: Has the Pig Cycle Turned?
Pork prices in China have rebounded for consecutive days, sparking debate over whether the pig cycle has turned. Experts analyze the outlook.
—5 min read
Economy
US Gas Prices Dip Below $4 for First Time Since March
US gas prices fell below $4 per gallon for the first time since March after the US-Iran peace deal, but remain 25% higher than last year amid inflation.
—5 min read
Business & Economy
Fed Holds Rates Steady in Warsh's First Meeting as Chair
The Fed held rates at 3.5%-3.75% in Kevin Warsh's first meeting as chair. The hawkish dot plot signals potential rate hikes amid 4.2% inflation.
—6 min read
International Economy
Bank of Japan Raises Policy Rate to 1%, Highest Since 1995
The Bank of Japan raised its policy rate to 1%, the highest in 31 years, as it tackles inflation from the Iran war energy shock and a weak yen.
—4 min read
EconomyInternational
Iran War Permanently Altered Global Economy, NYT Finds
Despite a framework deal to end US-Iran hostilities, the war has permanently reshaped oil trade, supply chains, and the global economy, NYT analysis finds.
—6 min read
Economy
NBB Forecasts: Inflation Spike, Slowing Growth in Belgium
The National Bank of Belgium projects inflation at 3.4% and GDP growth halving to 0.6% as the Iran war delivers a temporary shock to the economy.
—4 min read
Economy & Inflation
Summer BBQ Costs Jump 14% as Beef Prices Hit Record Highs
Hosting a backyard BBQ now costs $161 for 10 people as hamburger beef prices surge 14%. Inflation and a historic cattle shortage drive the spike.
—5 min read
EconomyInflation
US Producer Prices Surge 6.5% in May on Iran Energy Shock
US producer prices rose 6.5% in May, the largest yearly jump since 2022, driven by soaring energy costs from the Iran war and Hormuz closure.
—5 min read
EconomyGeopolitics
Oil Prices Surge Past $95 After New US Strikes on Iran
Brent crude surges above $95 after second day of US strikes on Iran. Strait of Hormuz blockade, Belgian fuel impact, and global inflation fears explained.
—4 min read
Economy
ECB Raises Rates by 25 Basis Points as Inflation Hits 3.2%
The ECB raised interest rates by 25 basis points to combat inflation driven by Middle East tensions, increasing credit costs across the Eurozone.
—4 min read
Economy
Inflation Hits 4.2%, Highest in 3 Years, on Energy Surge
U.S. inflation hit 4.2% in May, highest in 3 years, as Iran war drove gas prices up 40%. Producer prices surged 6.5%, biggest jump since 2022.
—5 min read
PoliticsEconomy
Trump Says 'I Love the Inflation' as Prices Hit 3-Year High
President Trump said 'I love the inflation' as CPI hit 4.2%, a three-year high. Democrats seized on the remark ahead of November's midterm elections.
—5 min read
Economy
China's May CPI Rises 1.2% as PPI Surges to 3.9%
China's May CPI rose 1.2% year-on-year, unchanged from April, while PPI surged 3.9%, widening the gap between producer and consumer prices.
—4 min read
EconomyPolitics
U.S. Inflation Hits 4.2% as Iran War Drives Energy Costs
U.S. inflation surged to 4.2% in May, a three-year high, as the Iran war drives energy costs. Core CPI rose 2.9%, raising questions about Fed policy.
—5 min read
EconomyConsumer
Belgian Supermarket Inflation Hits Lowest Level Since 2021
Supermarket inflation in Belgium fell to 0.27% in May, the lowest since December 2021. But Testaankoop warns that new price hikes may be coming.
—4 min read
EconomyPolitics
US Adds 172,000 Jobs in May as Labor Market Rebounds
The US added 172,000 jobs in May, far exceeding expectations. But strong hiring complicates the Fed's inflation fight as new Chair Kevin Warsh prepares.
—4 min read
EconomyLifestyle
Fuel Prices Reshape Boaters' Summer Plans Amid Iran War
Higher gas prices driven by the Iran war are forcing American boaters to cut cruising distances, add fuel surcharges, and rethink summer plans.
—5 min read
EconomyPolitics
US Jobless Claims Hit Highest Level Since Iran War Began
US jobless claims rose to 225,000, the highest since the Iran war began in February, signaling growing economic strain from the conflict.
—4 min read
Economy
Fuel Prices Rise Again in Belgium Amid Iran Conflict
Belgian fuel prices rise again: petrol reaches €1.874 and diesel climbs to €2.08 per liter as the US-Iran conflict roils global oil markets.
—4 min read
EconomyPolitics
CEOs and Bond Markets Warn of Recession as Inflation Mounts
CEO confidence plunges below optimism threshold while bond yields surge, signaling a potential economic downturn threatening Trump and Republicans.
—6 min read
Finance & Economy
Gold's May Rollercoaster: Where Is the Market Headed?
Gold prices swung wildly in May 2026, peaking at $4,774 before plunging below $4,400. Analysts weigh Fed policy, central bank buying and the outlook ahead.
—4 min read
EconomyPolitics
Bond Market Inflation Warning Adds to Trump Midterm Woes
Rising Treasury yields signal investor concern over U.S. fiscal policy as the Iran war and tax cuts drive inflation fears ahead of the midterms.
—4 min read
Economy
Inflation Hits 3.8%, Consumer Sentiment at Record Low
US inflation hits 3.8% in April, highest in three years, as consumer sentiment plunges to a record low amid the Iran war-driven energy crisis.
—7 min read
EconomyUnited States
Nearly Half of U.S. Households Couldn't Afford Basics in '24
Brookings report: 45.5% of U.S. households couldn't cover necessities in 2024, as stagnant wages and rising costs deepen the affordability crisis.
—5 min read
Economy
Tomatoes Become the Face of America's Affordability Crisis
Tomato prices have surged 40% as tariffs on Mexican imports, the Iran war, and climate factors create a 'perfect storm' squeezing American consumers.
—5 min read
EconomyAgriculture
U.S. Cattle Herd at 75-Year Low, Driving Beef Prices Higher
The U.S. cattle herd has fallen to 86.2 million head, the smallest since 1951. Drought, screwworm, and consolidation are driving beef prices higher.
—6 min read
Economy
Belgian Inflation Hits 4.08% in May as Energy Costs Bite
Belgium's inflation rose to 4.08% in May, driven by surging energy prices linked to the Middle East conflict. Diesel up 33.7%, airline tickets soar 69.1%.
—4 min read
EconomyPolitics
45.5% of U.S. Households Can't Afford Basics, Brookings Says
Brookings report: 45.5% of U.S. households can't afford basics. Stagnant wages, high costs, and new inflation pressures deepen the crisis.
—5 min read
EconomySociety
Food Insecurity in America Surpasses Pandemic-Era Levels
New York Fed data shows 10% of U.S. families now skip meals due to lack of food, surpassing pandemic highs amid rising costs and SNAP cuts.
—5 min read
Economy
U.S. Inflation Hits 3.8%, Fastest Pace in Three Years
The PCE price index rose 3.8% in April, the fastest since May 2023, driven by energy costs from the Iran war and straining household budgets.
—5 min read
Economy
US Consumer Confidence Sinks as War-Driven Inflation Bites
Consumer confidence fell in May as gas prices topped $4.50/gallon and inflation hit 3.8%. The University of Michigan sentiment index hit a record low.
—5 min read
EconomyFood Industry
Pay What You Want: Austin Restaurant Defies Inflation Trend
An Austin restaurant's pay-what-you-will Tuesdays offer a lifeline to diners priced out of dining out as inflation reshapes the restaurant industry.
—5 min read
EconomyEnergy
Gas Prices Hit 4-Year High as Summer Energy Costs Surge
Gas prices reach $4.55/gal ahead of Memorial Day while electricity bills climb 8.5%. The Iran war drives energy costs to multi-year highs.
—5 min read
EconomyEnergy
Summer Electric Bills Sizzle as Cost of Cooling Climbs
Americans face soaring summer electric bills as rising temperatures and higher energy prices drive cooling costs up 8.5%, straining household budgets.
—5 min read
Economy
Middle East War Tightens Credit Squeeze on Belgian Firms
The Middle East conflict drives up borrowing costs for Belgian firms as credit tightens, inflation hits 4%, and growth forecasts are cut.
—4 min read
EconomyPolitics
Kevin Warsh Takes Charge of Fed Amid Rising Inflation Threat
Kevin Warsh was sworn in as Fed chair on May 22, inheriting an economy with 3.8% inflation, a divided FOMC, and pressure from Trump to cut rates.
—5 min read
EconomyPolitics
Trump Eases Refrigerant Rule to Address Grocery Costs
Trump loosens federal refrigerant regulations to lower food prices, delaying Biden-era HFC restrictions amid 3.8% inflation and rising grocery costs.
—5 min read
PoliticsEconomy
Trump Eases Refrigerant Rules in Push to Lower Grocery Costs
President Trump rolls back Biden-era EPA refrigerant rules, claiming $2.4B in savings. Experts question whether grocery prices will actually fall.
—4 min read
EconomyFinance
Bond Market Rumbles Again as Yields Hit Multi-Year Highs
Treasury yields are surging to multi-year highs, sending warning signals for stocks, the Trump administration, and global markets.
—5 min read
EconomyConsumer
Gas Prices Surge Past $4.80 Ahead of Summer Travel Season
Gas prices are surging past $4.80 per gallon ahead of summer travel, driven by the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz closure. Consumers face higher costs.
—4 min read
FinanceSocial Policy
Social Security COLA Forecast at 4% for 2027
Forecasters project a 4% Social Security COLA for 2027, adding $80/month to benefits. Inflation driven by rising energy costs is behind the increase.
—4 min read
Economy
Belgian Supermarket Prices Fall Despite Surging Inflation
Supermarket prices in Belgium are falling as inflation surges to 4.01%. An economist warns the situation is abnormal and predicts a price shock.
—5 min read