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Consumers embrace their inner Maxxinista
A consumer vibes indicator, in the form of two Q2 earnings reports: TJX (which owns TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, and Marshalls) raised its outlook for the rem…
8 months ago
Flat pay raises are a sign o' the times
In this uncertain economy, employers want to save where they can. That’s likely why Starbucks just joined a growing list of companies to shift from m…
8 months ago
As many shoppers scrimp and stress, the wealthiest splurge
New context for the strong-consumer-spending-and-falling-consumer-sentiment combo: According to a Boston Fed report, the proportion of spending done …
8 months, 1 week ago
Concerned consumers keep on spending
Recent data show moderate retail sales growth in July — a positive sign for our economy? On the flip side, consumer sentiment fell in an early-August…
8 months, 1 week ago
Producers feel the pinch
Earlier this week, the July CPI report showed consumer prices remained steady, despite tariff noise. Today’s producer price index tells a different s…
8 months, 1 week ago
"Hacks" creators on collaboration, S5, and the state of comedy
HBO Max’s “Hacks” often tackles the push and pull between art and profit in the entertainment industry. It’s a topic the show’s creators are deeply f…
8 months, 1 week ago
Across regions and sectors, inflation zigs and zags
Ever read past the top line of the consumer price index? That 2.7% inflation rate varies a lot by metro area. The same goes for goods categories. So …
8 months, 1 week ago
Tariffs muddy the future of the global oil market
If President Donald Trump’s tariffs stymie the U.S. economy — which would, in turn, slow the global economy — oil demand will fall. And we're already…
8 months, 2 weeks ago
In health care sector, dread over worker deportations
The U.S. health care sector will lose crucial long-term care providers if the Trump administration suceeds in slashing the Temporary Protected Status…
8 months, 2 weeks ago
Hear that? It's productivity number noise
American worker productivity grew a modest 2.4% in the second quarter of the year. Good news, right? Well, take a look at the math, and the last few …
8 months, 2 weeks ago