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Prices

Consumer sentiment rises again as inflation pressures ease

by Mitchell Hartman
Nov 8, 2024
The University of Michigan survey was done before Election Day. Optimism about future economic conditions is at best level in nearly four years.
Most Americans don't believe that which leader is in power has a big effect on their economic lives, according to The Conference Board. Prices and inflation top most consumers' lists.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
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Election 2024

More tariffs may be coming under Trump

by Kristin Schwab
Nov 6, 2024
Here's what tariffs on goods from China and elsewhere have already meant for businesses and consumers since his first term.
In the past, tariffs have raised prices for American consumers and businesses.
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
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Candy makers, spooked by cocoa prices, go gummy for Halloween

by Kristin Schwab and Sofia Terenzio
Oct 25, 2024
Candy companies are producing more gummy and chewy treats, saving money and appealing to the tastes of younger consumers.
Along with the high cost of cocoa, consumer preferences have spurred the shift to gummy and chewy candies, says Jaclyn Peiser of The Washington Post.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images
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Inflation is coming down, but prices won't

by Kristin Schwab
Oct 3, 2024
Generally once prices rise, they don't go back down.
Despite lowering inflation, lowering prices mean other costs for business owners.
Yuki Iwamura/AFP via Getty Images
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My Economy

This produce clerk finds groceries and gratitude at work

by Sofia Terenzio
Sep 25, 2024
Natalie Adams in Everett, Washington finds her job as producer clerk "absolutely gratifying."
"I enjoy handling all the different products," said Natalie Adams about her job. "The citrus fruits are starting to come in again, and man, the box of lemons I opened up today was absolutely gorgeous."
Courtesy Sno Isle Food Co-Op
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August CPI shows inflation's sticky in services

by Justin Ho
Sep 11, 2024
Airline tickets and eating out cost more in August than July. But price gains are easing in other previously sticky industries.
Airfares rose nearly 4% from July to August, according to the consumer price index.
Megan Varner/Getty Images
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$10.24 for a burrito? Here’s why some restaurants don’t round up.

by Janet Nguyen
Jul 24, 2024
While you might expect the cost of a meal to end in "99," some businesses use unusual pricing to ensure they get the profit margins they want.
Some restaurants use specific prices to ensure they're getting the profit margins they want.
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Inflation's way down, but consumers still flinch at high prices, Fed observes

by Elizabeth Trovall
Jul 18, 2024
Price-sensitive shoppers are buying fewer or lower-quality items and retailers are offering discounts, according to the Beige Book.
Many shoppers are looking for discounts these days.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
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Some small businesses are squeezed between rising costs and customers with other options

by Stephanie Hughes
Apr 18, 2024
For restaurants and retailers in particular, it can lead to something the Federal Reserve's Beige Book calls "lumpy" pricing.
Restaurants and retailers don’t necessarily have to raise prices to protect their profit margins, says Adrienne Slack at the Atlanta Fed. They can also save money by cutting back.
Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images
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Some small businesses worry they've hit the limit on raising prices

by Justin Ho
Jul 11, 2023
It could signal that wage and other cost pressures are easing or that sales are weakening and the economy is slowing.
Downbeat sales expectations could cause more businesses to decide against another price hike, said Bill Dunkelberg, chief economist with the National Federation of Independent Business.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
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