Inflation

The National Retail Federation predicts at least $957 billion in sales this holiday season. But that might not mean everyone is splurging.

In one poll, 44% of respondents say they’re stressed about the economy. Meanwhile, 34% say they’re optimistic.

The employment cost index, a favorite Federal Reserve data point, captures the cost of employing people, including benefits.

Rising costs for prescriptions and hospital services were felt in latest PCE report, though health inflation has been mild in the past year.

The consumer price index and the personal consumption expenditures price index measure the changing cost of different baskets of goods.

Goods inflation has slowed down a lot over the last year, thanks in part to higher interest rates. But the Federal Reserve is having a harder time slowing services inflation.

The answer will be pretty familiar: consumer spending, and lots of it.

High construction expenses and budget pressures are pushing developers to be creatively cost-conscious as they expand access to green spaces.

The federal government has also restricted eligibility after opening it early in the pandemic.

In 2022, inflation reached its highest level since 1981.