Cheaper Gas, Food Provide Some Relief From Inflation
WASHINGTON — U.S. consumer inflation eased in March, with less expensive gas and food providing some relief to households that have struggled with surging prices for nearly two years.
Inflation Stays High in February, Complicating Fed’s Plans
WASHINGTON — U.S. consumer price increases eased from January to February but still indicated elevated inflation, posing a challenge for the Federal Reserve's interest rate plans.
February Adds 311,000 Jobs Despite Fed’s Rate Hikes
WASHINGTON — America’s employers added a substantial 311,000 jobs in February, fewer than January’s huge gain but enough to keep pressure on the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates aggressively to fight inflation.
Supply Chains Have Healed, Yet Their Mark on Inflation to Endure
Supply chains across the world are healing up almost as fast as they broke down. That doesn’t mean the pressure they’re exerting on inflation will disappear as quickly.
Key Inflation Measure Surges Most Since June
WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge rose in January at its fastest pace since June, an alarming sign that price pressures remain entrenched in the U.S. economy.
Inflation Slows to 6.4%, but Price Pressures Re-emerge
WASHINGTON — The pace of consumer price increases eased again in January, the latest sign that the high inflation that has gripped Americans for two years is slowing.
January Hiring Burst Stuns Economists as Market Adds 517,000 Jobs
The government said Feb. 3 that employers added a sizzling 517,000 jobs last month and that the unemployment rate dipped to 3.4%, the lowest level since 1969.
Inflation, Consumer Spending Cool in December
WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge eased further in December, and consumer spending fell — the latest evidence that the Fed’s series of interest rate hikes are slowing the economy.
Drop in Global Shipping Costs Signals Cooling Inflation, Experts Say
The pandemic-era surge in shipping costs was a “smoking gun” that foretold the global inflation spike, and the sharp drop in maritime-freight expenses since peaking last year will contribute to an easing in price pressures.
Retail Sales Fall 1.1% in December as Inflation Takes a Toll
NEW YORK — Americans cut back on spending in December, the second consecutive month they’ve done so.