Jerome H. Powell has said that snarled supply chains, an oil shock following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and shifts among American consumers are primarily behind rapid price growth.
Tag Archives: Consumer Behavior
Why the Federal Reserve Won’t Commit
Facing huge economic uncertainty, the Fed is keeping its options open. Jerome H. Powell, its chair, will most likely continue that approach on Tuesday.
Restaurant Chains Make It Cost More to Be Loyal
Recent changes to rewards programs at places like Dunkin’ and Starbucks mean customers must pay more before perks kick in. The companies blame inflation.
The Fed’s Preferred Inflation Gauge Sped Back Up
Inflation is down from its peak last summer, but recent readings have shown substantial and surprising staying power.
From Pepsi to Ben & Jerry’s, Big Brands Keep Raising Prices and Stoking Inflation
Consumers continue to absorb significant price increases by PepsiCo, Unilever and others. The companies say that prices will remain high in the months to come.
The State of the U.S. Economy in 4 Numbers
A look at key figures and what they reveal about the current economic situation.
Smaller Rate Increase by Federal Reserve Likely as Inflation Cools
America’s central bank is expected to raise rates by a quarter point on Wednesday. The question now is what comes next.
Consumer Spending Slid Again in December
Fresh data offered more detail on how shoppers retrenched at the end of 2022.
U.S. Economy Grew at 2.9% Annual Rate in Fourth Quarter
The continued growth in the fourth quarter showed the resilience of consumers and businesses in the face of rising inflation and interest rates.
Inflation Is Cooling, Leaving America Asking: What Comes Next?
After six months of declines, inflation seems to be turning a corner. But the road back to normal is an uncertain one.
US Added 223,000 Jobs in December, a Slight Easing in Pace
The Federal Reserve’s moves to cool the economy with higher interest rates seem to be taking gentle hold. Wage growth lost momentum.
Tesla Car Sales Grow Slower Than Expected, Amplifying Concerns
Wall Street has grown decidedly pessimistic about Tesla, fearful that Elon Musk, its chief executive, is too focused on Twitter.
Why It’s Hard to Predict What the Economy Will Look Like in 2023
Years into the pandemic, it is still difficult to get a handle on what comes next for the economy by looking at examples from the past.
Once You See the Truth About Cars, You Can’t Unsee It
Cars promised liberation. They delivered something very different.
Inflation Forecasts Were Wrong Last Year. Should We Believe Them Now?
Economists misjudged how much staying power inflation would have. Next year could be better — but there’s ample room for humility.
How Will China Turn Its Economy Back On? The World Is About to Find Out.
Strict “zero Covid” curbs have been smothering growth. After easing them, Beijing faces the twin challenges of rising caseloads and wary consumers.
U.S. Gas Prices Are Now Lower Than a Year Ago
A visible symbol of inflation for much of the year, prices at the pump have been driven down by reduced global demand and tumbling oil prices.
The Personal Saving Rate Can’t Stay This Low Forever.
The party is almost over. That will have serious consequences for the U.S. economy.
Why Retailers Are Trying Extra Hard to Woo Holiday Shoppers
With an economic slowdown a distinct possibility, stores hope customers’ willingness to open their wallets will last through the season.
A Holiday Season Divided by Inflation and Economic Struggles
Even if policymakers achieve a gentle economic slowdown, it won’t be smooth for everyone.
Billions of Dollars at Stake in a Puzzling Holiday Shopping Season
It promises to be unpredictable, with retailers and consumers still figuring out how much will be spent and on what kinds of goods.
Thanksgiving and Inflation: The Cost of the Holiday This Year
Holiday costs from groceries to travel are up, and consumers have been willing to pay them.
Beyond Meat Is Struggling, and the Plant-Based Meat Industry Worries
A few years ago, business was booming. That growth has slowed, with some wondering if the number of consumers has reached its limit.
US Shoppers Are Still Spending, as Long as Retailers Give Them a Reason
Retail sales rose last month, and several companies reported strong earnings. But discounts seemed to drive a significant portion of purchases.
On Alibaba’s Singles Day, Shopping Baskets Are Filled With Chinese Brands
As geopolitical and economic pressures mount, homegrown businesses are increasingly the preferred choice over Western competitors in a more insular China.
Big Tobacco Heralds a Healthier World While Fighting Its Arrival
The industry continues to back smoking protections, like this November’s ballot initiative in California that would overturn a law banning tobacco flavors.
Corporate America Has a Message for the Fed About Inflation
If Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell and his colleagues look at company earnings reports, these themes might catch their eye.
Amazon Earnings: Return to Profitability But Slow Growth Signaled Ahead
The e-commerce giant, which also turned a profit in its latest quarter, indicated sales in the holiday period might rise at their lowest level since 2001.
GDP Rose in 3rd Quarter, but US Recession Fears Persist
Gross domestic product increased 0.6 percent after two quarters of decline, but key components continue to show an economic slowdown.
Why the Price of Gas Has Such Power Over Us
“When prices go up, we have this feeling of oppression that we can’t do everything we want.”
Airlines Cash In as Flexible Work Changes Travel Patterns
Untethered from desks, passengers are flying more often and in different ways. Carriers expect the new habits to endure, despite economic uncertainty.
U.K. Inflation Rises to 10.1 Percent, Driven by Food Prices
After easing slightly the previous month, inflation continued rising in September, heightening the country’s cost-of-living crisis.
Retailers’ Holiday Wish: That Cash-Strapped Shoppers Will Spend
Retailers have navigated pandemic closures and supply chain snarls in recent years. But dealing with the fallout from inflation could be an even tougher test.
The Golden Age of Dispensary Interior Design Is Almost Here
As cannabis legalization has become more widespread, retailers are getting increasingly serious about the design and branding of their shops.
Inflation was much hotter than expected, bad news for the Fed.
Inflation rose quickly in September and a key measure accelerated to the fastest pace since 1982, underlining the persistence of price increases.
What Are Your Holiday Shopping Plans? We Want to Know.
Tell us about deals, budgets, wish lists and game plans for this holiday season, which promises to be challenging for retailers and customers alike.
New PCE Inflation Data Shows Prices Remain Stubbornly High
Inflation remains far above the Federal Reserve’s goal, and prices climbed more quickly than economists expected in August.
New Inflation Data Shows Prices Remain Stubbornly High
Inflation remains far above the Federal Reserve’s goal, and prices climbed more quickly than economists expected in August.
Factory Jobs Are Booming Like It’s the 1970s
U.S. manufacturing is experiencing a rebound, with companies adding workers amid high consumer demand for products.
How the Car Market Is Shedding Light on a Key Inflation Question
How easily companies give up swollen profits could determine how easily the Federal Reserve can cool inflation. Dealerships offer clues.
Lots of Food Gets Tossed. These Food-Waste Apps Let You Buy It, Cheap.
Several companies say they are tackling food waste by connecting people with unsold food from restaurants and grocery stores.
Inflation Came in Faster Than Expected in August Even as Gas Prices Fell
Overall inflation moderated less than anticipated, and a closely watched measure of price pressures jumped, bad news for the Federal Reserve.
Trying to Sell Your Old Peloton Bike? So Is Peloton.
As its business slumps, Peloton is trying something new: selling its bikes to “value-minded” customers. It faces stiff competition.
Why Totino’s Needs 25 Ways to Make Pizza Rolls
As supply chain delays and rising costs made individual ingredients harder to procure, food companies had to become very flexible.
Biden’s Student Loan Plan Sets Off Fierce Debate Among Economists
Liberals and more moderate Democrats are arguing over the impact on inflation, the federal budget deficit and high earners.
Buy Now, Pay Later: Going Into Debt for Groceries
Americans are increasingly turning to “buy now, pay later” services for food and other everyday essentials. And there are signs that the practice is putting some in deep debt.
We Can’t Just Throw Bigger Batteries at Electric Vehicles
There are better ways to use batteries than putting them in premium EVs.
Here Are the Challenges Ahead for California’s Ban on Gas Cars
Enforcement could be complex and legal challenges are likely. But ultimately, experts say, success or failure will depend on steady supply and buyers’ appetite.
Red-Hot Warehouse Market Tested as Consumer Spending Slows
A slowdown in consumer spending in conjunction with an uptick in construction may spoil the favorable conditions that allowed owners to expand and raise rates.
Retailers Stumble Adjusting to More Selective Shoppers
In earnings reports this week, companies showed it has been a struggle to adapt to a consumer mind-set that is vastly different from what it was during much of the pandemic.