Job-seekers voice growing uncertainty

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Job growth slowed in December, with payroll employment up by 50,000 and the unemployment rate holding steady at 4.4%, signaling a labor market that remains stable but has lost momentum.

• Workers are growing more anxious about job prospects, as expectations of finding a new job fell to a record low while fears of job loss increased, according to a Federal Reserve Bank of New York survey.

• Underlying strains are building, including a rise in long-term unemployment, more involuntary part-time work, and worsening delinquency expectations among households.

The U.S. job market ended the year on a relatively steady footing, but new data suggest rising unease beneath the surface as workers confront fewer opportunities and heightened uncertainty.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that nonfarm payroll employment increased by 50,000 in December, while the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.4%.

Employment gains continued in food services and drinking places, health care, and social assistance, partially offset by job losses in retail trade. Overall, the figures point to a labor market that is no longer accelerating but has not yet entered a clear downturn.

Household survey data showed little month-to-month change in the number of unemployed Americans, which stood at 7.5 million. Unemployment rates were largely stable across major demographic groups, including adult men and women, teenagers, and racial and ethnic categories. Labor force participation and the employment-population ratio also held steady, continuing a pattern of limited movement seen throughout the year.

Growing stress

However, longer-term indicators suggest growing stress. The number of people unemployed for 27 weeks or more remained at 1.9 million in December but has risen by nearly 400,000 over the past year. Long-term unemployed workers now account for about one-quarter of all unemployed Americans. At the same time, 5.3 million people were working part-time for economic reasons, a figure that has increased substantially over the year, reflecting reduced hours or difficulty finding full-time work.

Concerns about the labor market were echoed in the Federal Reserve Bank of New Yorks December 2025 Survey of Consumer Expectations. The survey found that the perceived probability of finding a job after losing one fell sharply to 43.1%, the lowest level since the series began.

Lower-income households the most worried

The decline was especially pronounced among lower-income households, older workers, and those with less formal education. Meanwhile, the perceived probability of losing a job over the next year rose to 15.2%, above its recent average.

Despite these worries, expectations about overall unemployment a year from now edged down slightly, suggesting that consumers see risks rising at the individual level even as they remain uncertain about broader labor market conditions. Earnings growth expectations also softened, with respondents anticipating slower wage gains than earlier in the year.

The survey also highlighted mounting financial pressure on households. Delinquency expectations climbed to their highest level since the early days of the pandemic, even as respondents expressed modest optimism about their longer-term financial outlook.

Taken together, the data portray a labor market that is still adding jobs and maintaining a moderate unemployment rate, but one in which workers are increasingly uneasy. Slower hiring, rising long-term unemployment, and declining confidence in job mobility suggest that while the job market remains resilient, it may be entering a more challenging phase as economic uncertainty persists.

Americas love affair with pickup trucks continues

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The Ford F-150 remains Americas best-selling used vehicle, but its dominance is slowly shrinking as SUVs and midsize trucks gain ground.

• Full-size pickups still rule the used market nationally, yet the Chevrolet Equinox has emerged as the most popular non-truck used vehicle.

• Electric vehicles are becoming a bigger part of the used market, led by the Tesla Model 3 as the top-selling used EV.

If youre shopping for a used car at the start of 2026, chances are youre looking at the same models millions of other buyers prefer. According to a new iSeeCars study analyzing more than 9 million used vehicle sales from the 20202025 model years, Americas used-car tastes remain remarkably stable though subtle cracks are beginning to show in long-standing trends.

At the top of the list is a familiar name. The Ford F-150 continues its decades-long run as the best-selling used vehicle in the U.S., followed closely by the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ram 1500. Together, these three full-size pickups once again dominate the used market.

But while trucks still reign, their grip is loosening.

If you like stability in your rankings, 2025s list of most popular used cars will make you happy, said Karl Brauer, executive analyst at iSeeCars. The rankings show minimal variations from 2024, though the dominance of full-size trucks is shrinking.

Trucks still lead, but SUVs are catching up

The big three pickups hold the top spots nationally, but the Chevrolet Equinox has solidified its position as the best-selling used vehicle that isnt a truck, ranking fourth overall. Compact SUVs like the Equinox and Nissan Rogue are benefiting from a sweet spot of practicality, fuel efficiency, and affordability qualities that matter more as vehicle prices remain high.

In fact, SUVs now challenge trucks in many regions, especially urban areas where maneuverability and parking matter more than towing capacity.

One of the biggest surprises in the 2025 rankings is the Chevrolet Malibu, which jumped 21 spots to become the eighth most popular used vehicle in America. The surge likely reflects thousands of Malibus entering the used market after Chevrolet cancelled the model and rental fleets sold off their inventory.

Sedans may no longer dominate new-car showrooms, but models like the Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Malibu still attract loyal used-car buyers looking for lower prices and better fuel economy.

Used EVs are gaining momentum

Electric vehicles are also carving out a bigger share of the used market, even as automakers report big losses from the sector. The Tesla Model 3 is the clear leader, accounting for nearly one in five used EV sales, even though it doesnt crack the overall top 20 list of used vehicles.

Other EVs are gaining traction as well, including the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4, as more vehicles come off lease and enter the used market.

What this means for used car shoppers

For consumers, the takeaway is encouraging. A steady used-car market means predictable pricing and plenty of inventory, especially for popular trucks and SUVs.

At the same time, growing competition from SUVs, midsize trucks, and EVs gives buyers more choices than ever.

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, iSeeCars said it expects used-car demand to remain strong as new-vehicle prices stay high.

The president wants the government to buy more mortgage-backed securities

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• President Trump is proposing a federal initiative to purchase mortgage-backed securities as a way to push down long-term mortgage rates.

• The plan would expand the governments role in housing finance, reviving a strategy used during past economic downturns.

• Supporters say lower rates could jump-start the housing market, while critics warn of financial and political risks.

President Trump has offered a proposal aimed at easing the strain of high mortgage rates by having the federal government purchase large quantities of mortgage-backed securities, a move designed to drive borrowing costs lower for homebuyers.

Under the plan, federal agencies would step into financial markets as major buyers of securities backed by residential mortgages. By increasing demand for those securities, the administration believes yields would fall, translating into lower interest rates on 30-year and 15-year home loans offered to consumers.

Homeownership has become too expensive for too many Americans, Trump said in remarks to reporters. If we can bring mortgage rates down, we can unlock the housing market and get families back into homes.

Mortgage-backed security purchases are not without precedent. During the 2008 financial crisis and again in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve used similar tools to stabilize housing markets and encourage lending. Trumps proposal, however, would place renewed emphasis on the policy as a direct response to persistently high borrowing costs.

Low rates led to higher home prices

Unusually low mortgage rates during the early stages of the pandemic led to escalating home prices, which in most cases have not retreated. Meanwhile, mortgage rates have returned to normal.

Freddie Mac reports its Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.16% this week, about the same as the week before.

In the first full week of the new year, mortgage rates remained within a narrow range, hovering close to the 6% mark, said Sam Khater, Freddie Macs chief economist. The combination of solid economic growth and lower rates has led to improving momentum in for-sale residential demand, with purchase applications up over 20% from a year ago.

Ripple effect

But Trump says rates are still high at todays home prices and administration officials argue that lower mortgage rates could have a ripple effect across the economy, boosting home sales, construction activity, and consumer confidence. Housing affordability has deteriorated in recent years as elevated interest rates combined with limited inventory to push monthly payments higher.

Still, the idea is already drawing criticism. Some economists warn that large-scale government purchases of mortgage-backed securities could distort markets, increase federal exposure to housing risk, or complicate the Federal Reserves efforts to control inflation. Others question whether the plan would meaningfully lower rates without reigniting price pressures in an already tight housing market.

Congressional reaction has been mixed. Lawmakers from high-cost housing states expressed interest in the proposal, while fiscal conservatives raised concerns about expanding the governments footprint in financial markets.

Baby equipment, kids' toys, bed rails, dressers in this week's recall roundup

Joyful Journeys baby lounger recall for infant safety risks

Parents should stop using these baby loungers and request a refund due to serious safety violations.

• Baby loungers pose entrapment and fall hazards violating infant sleep product standards

• About 9,300 units sold in multiple styles from December 2023 to October 2025

• Consumers should immediately stop use and request a refund

Joyful Journeys baby loungers are being recalled due to serious risks of entrapment and falls, which violate federal infant sleep product safety standards. The recall affects about 9,300 units sold online in various colors and styles, including green avocado, blue dinosaur and more.

The hazard

The loungers' sides are too low to contain infants and openings at the foot exceed allowed width, posing a risk of entrapment or falls. The loungers also lack a required stand, increasing the risk of falls if used on elevated surfaces. These deficiencies create an unsafe sleeping environment that could lead to serious injury or death.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled baby loungers and contact Joyful Journeys for a refund.

Company contact

Joyful Journeys at email: joyfuljourneysrecalls@myjoyfuljourneys.com or online at https://myjoyfuljourneys.com and click Recall at the bottom of the page for more information.

Source

Full details at CPSC.gov

PNW Components recalls 1,200 bike pedals for crash hazard

Cyclists should stop using Loam Pedal Gen 2 due to axle cracking and get free replacements.

• Pedal axles can crack and detach, creating a fall risk

• 1,200 Loam Pedal Gen 2 units affected, sold JuneNovember 2025

• Riders should stop using pedals and request free replacements

PNW Components is recalling 1,200 Loam Pedal Gen 2 aluminum alloy bicycle pedals after reports of axle cracking and pedal detachment. The affected pedals have the Tectonic logo and were sold in several colors at bike dealers and online retailers.

The hazard

The pedal axle can crack, causing the pedal to detach from the crank and increasing the risk of a fall and possible injury. Four incidents of axle failure have been reported, but no injuries.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled pedals immediately and contact PNW Components for a free replacement.

Company contact

PNW Components, Inc. at 833-902-3381 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, by email at info@pnwcomponents.com or online at https://www.pnwcomponents.com/pages/voluntary-recall-loam-pedal-gen-2 or www.pnwcomponents.com and click the Recall link in the footer.

Source

Full details at CPSC.gov

Isla Rae charger recall for thousands over fire risk

Shoppers at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls should stop using these wireless chargers and get a refund.

• Chargers can explode and cause fire or burn hazards

• About 13,200 units affected, sold nationwide June 2024November 2025

• Consumers should stop use immediately and request a refund

Isla Rae brand magnetic wireless chargers, sold at Marshalls and T.J. Maxx, are being recalled due to a risk of explosion leading to fire and burn hazards. About 13,200 units in the U.S. and an additional 7,000 in Canada are included in the recall.

The hazard

The chargers can explode while in use, posing significant fire and burn dangers. No injuries have been reported.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using these wireless chargers and contact the retailer for a refund.

Company contact

TJX toll-free at 888-256-1564 from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, by email to powerbank@realtimeresults.net, or online at https://www.recallrtr.com/powerbank for more information. Marshalls: https://m.marshalls.com/us/m/jump/topic/Product-Recalls/2400019 or Marshalls.com ("Product Recalls" link). T.J. Maxx: https://m.tjmaxx.tjx.com/m/jump/topic/product-recalls/2400019 or TJmaxx.com ("Product Recalls" link).

Source

Full details at CPSC.gov

Kori Gey water toy kit recall for deadly battery hazard

Parents should stop using these toy kits due to button cell battery ingestion risk and request a refund.

• Battery compartment allows child access, risking serious injury or death

• 2,240 toy kits sold on Amazon from March to July 2025

• Stop use and contact Qaniy for a refund

Qaniy is recalling Kori Gey-branded water elf toy kits due to a deadly risk of battery ingestion. The toys LED light uses a button cell battery that can be easily accessed by children.

The hazard

The battery compartment in the toy violates mandatory standards, allowing children to access and swallow button cell batteries. Ingested batteries can cause severe internal injuries, chemical burns or be fatal.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled toy kits and contact Qaniy for a refund.

Company contact

Qaniy by email at changshaaoyuan@outlook.com

Source

Full details at CPSC.gov

Findriver and Weeksome recall pounding toys for magnet hazard

Parents should stop use and request a refund due to dangerous magnets that can detach and be swallowed.

• Magnets can detach and pose life-threatening ingestion hazard to children

• About 3,500 Lterfear Multifunction Pounding Game units sold JuneSeptember 2025

• Immediate stop-use and refund recommended

Shenzhen Haichuan International Travel Service Co., Ltd., dba Findriver and Weeksome, is recalling the Lterfear Multifunction Pounding Game sold on Amazon. Small, high-powered magnets in the toy can detach and be swallowed by children.

The hazard

Detached magnets can cause serious injuries, intestinal blockages, blood poisoning or even death if swallowed, especially if multiple magnets attract inside the digestive tract.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled pounding toys and email for a refund.

Company contact

Email at Findriverpoundingtoysrecall@outlook.com.

Source

Full details at CPSC.gov

YOLAAH bed rail recall for adult entrapment risk

Consumers should stop using these bed rails and contact YOLAAH for a refund due to asphyxiation hazard.

• Bed rails can trap users, risking serious injury or death by asphyxiation

• About 14,250 YOLAAH BR-01 bed rails sold SeptemberOctober 2025

• Stop use immediately and request a refund

Guangzhou Aowei Technology Co., Ltd. is recalling YOLAAH BR-01 bed rails for violating safety standards. Improper design can lead to deadly entrapment and the rails lack required warning labels.

The hazard

When attached to a bed, users can become trapped within the bed rail or between the rail and mattress, risking suffocation. No injuries have been reported.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the bed rails immediately and contact the company for a refund.

Company contact

Email YOLAAH at yolaahproductrecall@outlook.com.

Source

Full details at CPSC.gov

Vasicar dresser recall due to tip-over danger

Owners of Vasicar 18-drawer dressers should stop use and request a refund due to tip-over risks.

• Dressers can tip over if not anchored, posing serious injury or death risk to children

• About 4,155 units sold on Amazon from September to November 2025

• Consumers should stop use and contact Vasicar for a refund

Shanghai Jingtin Technology Co., Ltd., dba Vasicar, is recalling 18-drawer dressers that fail to meet safety standards and may tip over if not secured. The recall covers about 4,155 dressers sold online.

The hazard

The dressers are unstable and pose a risk of tip-over and entrapment, which can cause serious injury or death to children. The product does not comply with the STURDY Act requirements.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the dresser and contact Vasicar for a refund.

Company contact

Vasicar via email at vasicarus2025@outlook.com.

Source

Full details at CPSC.gov

Sangohe bed rail recall for adult entrapment and asphyxiation risk

Owners should stop using Sangohe bed rails and request a refund due to deadly entrapment danger.

• Bed rails can entrap users, posing risk of asphyxiation or death

• About 26,200 units sold online from August 2023 to October 2025

• Stop use immediately and contact Sangohe for refund instructions

Zhongshan Biankang Medical Equipment Co., Ltd., dba Sangohe, is recalling its adult portable bed rails due to violations of federal safety standards. The rails may entrap users, risking suffocation or death, and lack required warning labels.

The hazard

The recalled bed rails can trap users between the rail and mattress, creating a deadly asphyxiation hazard. No injuries have been reported.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the Sangohe bed rails immediately and contact the company for a refund.

Company contact

Sangohe by email at SGHproductrecall@163.com, or online at https://commodechair.com/ and click Recall at the top of the page for more information.

Source

Full details at CPSC.gov

Rattan dresser recall for tipping and entrapment risk

Stop using Rattan 6-drawer dressers and request a refund due to child safety hazards.

• Dressers can tip over if not anchored, risking serious injury or death

• About 870 model YD001 dressers sold on Amazon SeptemberNovember 2025

• Consumers should stop use and contact Rattan for a refund

Fuzhou Sunrise Creation Corporation Co., Ltd. is recalling Rattan 6-drawer dressers due to a tip-over and entrapment hazard. The products fail to meet the STURDY Acts safety requirements.

The hazard

The recalled dressers are unstable and can tip over if not anchored, posing a serious risk of injury or death to children.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the dresser and contact Rattan for a refund.

Company contact

Email Rattan at FUQARHYrecall@outlook.com.

Source

Full details at CPSC.gov

Good Bernie bed rails warning for deadly entrapment risk

Consumers must immediately stop using Good Bernie bed rails due to asphyxiation dangers and dispose of the product.

• Bed rails violate safety standards and pose life-threatening entrapment hazard

• About 5,115 products sold online from November 2023 to November 2025

• Stop use immediately, dispose of rails, and do not resell

CPSC is warning consumers about the serious dangers posed by Good Bernie Bed Rails. The portable rails do not meet federal safety standards and can cause deadly entrapment and asphyxiation.

The hazard

If attached to a bed, users can become trapped within the bed rail or between the rail and the mattress. This poses a risk of suffocation or death.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the bed rails immediately, dispose of them, and avoid selling or giving them away.

Company contact

Report any incidents involving injury or product defect to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov.

Source

Full details at CPSC.gov