Economy News Consumers See Worsening Economy, Higher Inflation

Walmart raises profit expectations as more Americans hunt deals in sluggish economy

Walmart delivered another standout quarter, posting strong sales and profits that blew past Wall Street expectations as it wins over more cash-strapped Americans who have grown increasing anxious ... Read More

How inflation-squeezed 'value' shoppers are saving money at Walmart

As Trump and the Democrats play the blame game on the economy, shoppers turn to Walmart and discount retailers to survive the affordability crisis. Read More

How consumers will get through the holidays

More than three-quarters of U.S. consumers now use buy now, pay later services, according to a LegalShield survey. About half of BNPL users told the firm that they plan to purchase more this holiday ... Read More

Wait, I thought the economy was terrible. What happened?

“The economy is struggling to create jobs. The unemployment rate is low but it’s now showing some stress,” Zandi said, adding that the closer the rate gets to 5%, the greater the risk of a ... Read More

Consumer Spending Update: Economic Confidence Declines Again in November

Economic confidence decreased to 98.6 in this month’s Rasmussen Reports Economic Index, more than seven points lower than October. Read More

Banks see a resilient American economy despite unknowns with tariffs, inflation

Wall Street had one of its most profitable quarters despite uncertainties facing the American economy that include erratic trade policy and steep tariffs from the White House and geopolitical upheaval ... Read More

Polls show Trump’s happy talk on inflation is falling flat

The 2025 election two weeks ago crystallized how big a problem the economy and affordability appear to be for President Donald Trump and the Republican Party. Read More

Fed researchers say tariffs actually lower inflation — because they’re demand shocks that slam employment and economic activity

"Instead, tariff shocks appear to act as aggregate demand shocks—moving inflation and unemployment in the same directions." ... Read More

CPI report shows inflation continued to climb in September, although at a cooler pace than forecast

The Consumer Price Index climbed at an annual rate of 3% in September, coming in below economists' forecasts as the impact of President Trump's tariffs remain muted. Economists polled by financial ... Read More

Economists agree: You’re not crazy for feeling like the rich get richer, and the poor are doing worse. Welcome to the ‘K-shaped economy’

What was a niche argument about five years ago is suddenly everywhere you look, and it’s taking on the shape of a letter with two jagged edges. Read More

From fast food to beverage giants, brands see rising income inequality among customers

Consumer brands are adjusting to a two-tiered economy as the new normal. Yet there are signs that even high-income customers are under pressure. The most common refrain so far this corporate earnings ... Read More