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Labor costs fell in July. That may be what the Fed's been looking for.

by Caleigh Wells
Aug 13, 2024
The decline helped bring the annual rate of inflation at the wholesale level down to 2.2%.
The decline in labor costs means a decline in jobs, or wages, or both. That's bad news for workers, but will it encourage the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates? Above, Fed Chair Jerome Powell.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
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Services exports are a critical and growing part of the economy

by Stephanie Hughes
Aug 5, 2024
They have been a positive contributor to GDP growth for almost every quarter over the past three years.
Lighting designer Greg Guarnaccia stands in his office in Baltimore. As a U.S. resident with clients abroad, he’s a services exporter.
Stephanie Hughes/Marketplace
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People are spending less on things — and more on fun

by Savannah Peters
May 24, 2023
Consumers at almost every income level are finding ways to spend on getting out of the house.
Despite inflation, consumers have continued to spend on dining out, travel and other fun.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
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April retail sales data add confusion to an already confusing economy

by Kristin Schwab
May 16, 2023
Between the pandemic and its economic ripple effects, the consumer experience has been a wild ride.
While consumers are cutting back on buying big-ticket items like appliances, there’s still pent-up demand for services.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
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Inflation for services remains stubbornly high

by Stephanie Hughes
May 10, 2023
Here's how higher wages, housing shortages and income level can play a role in how much you pay for things like exterminators and car repairs.
Motor vehicle repair prices, which were up 20% in April from last year, can be particularly burdensome for lower-income households.
Jon Cherry/Getty Images
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"You only live once" may explain Americans' continued spending spree

by Kristin Schwab
Mar 16, 2023
Some attribute it to pent-up demand. Others think the American consumer may have changed.
From dining out more frequently to traveling more, Americans continue to splurge on services despite persistent inflation.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
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Spending on services is starting to taper off, U.S. data indicates

by Justin Ho
Jan 27, 2023
Until recently, consumers had been spending less on goods and more on services. That's changing. Here's what it could mean for inflation.
While consumer appetite to travel remains strong, more people are opting to drive rather than fly.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
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As Americans spend on experiences, inflation declines for goods and rises for services

by Matt Levin
Dec 23, 2022
It's a tale of two inflations: goods versus services.
After the heights of the pandemic, Americans decided to gorge in-person activities like dining out.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
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Waiting for another inflation report, with concern

by Matt Levin
Aug 9, 2022
Wednesday the government will tell us how much prices changed year over year in July. Inflation was an alarming 9.1% in June.
While rising prices for services, like styling hair, worry economists, prices for some goods may be dipping.
Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images
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GDP dips by 0.9% in second quarter, but consumers are still spending

by Sabri Ben-Achour
Jul 28, 2022
While consumers cut back on goods spending, spending on services jumped.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
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