A new government report shows inflation cooled a bit in November. But prices are still climbing and the Federal Reserve is preparing to raise interest rates again.
Rising prices are a top concern for voters in this year's midterm elections, outpacing abortion, crime and defending democracy. Prices in September were up 8.2% from a year ago.
The Federal Reserve raised interest rates by another 0.75 percentage points Wednesday, as part of its ongoing effort to fight inflation. The big question is, what happens next.
Thursday's GDP report shows the U.S. economy grew at an annual rate of 2.6% in July, August and September, after shrinking in the first half of the year.
Factories have added 467,000 jobs in the last 12 months, as production jumped to its highest level since 2008. But manufacturing remains a much smaller slice of the U.S. economy than it used to be.
The number of women in the workforce has finally returned to pre-pandemic levels, which is good for the economy. But after time away from the job market some women are reassessing their priorities.
Rising inflation has meant fewer restaurant meals, getaways and even doctor visits for many Americans, as nearly 4 in 10 say their family finances have gotten worse in the last year.
U.S. employers added 315,000 jobs in August, while the unemployment rate rose to 3.7% from 3.5% in July. A tight job market gives workers more bargaining power, but it may also fuel inflation.
Companies are bracing for potential trouble ahead by lowering their advertising budgets, cutting costs and adapting to their customers' changing spending habits.
U.S. employers added 528,000 jobs in July, showing the labor market remains strong, despite high inflation and softening economic growth. The unemployment rate fell to 3.5%.
Few voters may be thinking of Jerome Powell as they go to the polls in November, but all will be coping with economic conditions strongly influenced by Powell's Federal Reserve Board.
GDP, or gross domestic product, tells us how much the economy grew in the previous quarter. There's fears that the economy contracted for a second quarter in a row.
Biden has been faulted for speeches that do not seem to meet the moment or lack the urgency to compel others to follow. His soothing approach to issues that prompt anger has often failed to soothe.