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
Tag
#Inflation
19 articles
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