CONSUMER SPENDING

Jul 17 2025BUSINESS

Why Americans Are Still Spending Despite Rising Prices

In June, Americans kept their spending habits going strong, even as prices started to climb due to new tariffs. The Commerce Department shared that retail sales grew by 0. 6% from May, bouncing back from a big drop in May. Experts expected a much smaller increase, so this was a pleasant surprise. Car dealerships saw a big boost, with sales jumping by 1. 2%. Restaura...

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Jul 01 2025FINANCE

Stocks Soar as Jobs and Spending Slow Down

Investors are cheering as the economy shows signs of slowing down. The S&P 500 hit a new high, and it seems like the bad news for workers is good news for stock markets. Why? Because when the economy isn't doing so well, the Federal Reserve might cut interest rates. Lower interest rates usually mean good things for stocks. The job market is cooling off. Experts pred...

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Jun 27 2025FINANCE

Money Matters: A Look at May 2025's Income and Spending

In May 2025, people's income took a hit. It dropped by $109. 6 billion, which is 0. 4 percent less than the previous month. This isn't great news, but it's not a total disaster either. The money people had left after taxes, called disposable income, also went down. It fell by $125. 0 billion, or 0. 6 percent. People also spent less. They cut back on buying stuff, spe...

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Jun 20 2025BUSINESS

Darden's Dining Dominance: A Look into 2025's Fourth Quarter

Darden Restaurants, the powerhouse behind Olive Garden and other popular eateries, recently shared its fourth-quarter earnings for 2025. The results were impressive, exceeding what financial experts had predicted. The company's revenue hit $3. 27 billion, slightly above the $3. 26 billion estimate. Earnings per share also surpassed expectations, coming in at $2. 98, ...

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Jun 17 2025FINANCE

Retail Slump: Why May Saw a Dip in Consumer Spending

Consumer spending took a hit in May, with retail sales dropping by 0. 9\%. This decline was worse than the predicted 0. 6\% decrease, according to seasonally adjusted figures. The slowdown was largely due to a drop in gas sales and growing economic uncertainty. This dip followed a modest 0. 1\% decrease in April, adding to the overall unease caused by tariffs and geo...

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Jun 09 2025BUSINESS

Chipotle's New Dip: A Bold Move or Just Another Sauce?

The restaurant industry is always on the lookout for the next big thing. Chipotle, a popular fast-casual chain, is hoping to stir up excitement with a new dip. After a five-year hiatus from introducing new dips, Chipotle is rolling out Adobo Ranch. This isn't your average ranch dressing. It's spiced up with adobo pepper, sour cream, and a mix of herbs and spices. The...

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Jun 06 2025BUSINESS

Lululemon's Mixed Results: Navigating Tariffs and Economic Uncertainty

Lululemon, a popular athletic wear brand, recently shared its financial results for the first quarter of 2025. The company managed to exceed Wall Street's earnings and revenue expectations. However, it also lowered its full-year earnings forecast, citing challenges from tariffs and a slowing U. S. economy. This move highlights the tough decisions companies face in a ...

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May 30 2025FINANCE

Inflation Takes a Breather in April

Inflation in the United States saw a slight dip in April, according to recent data. The personal consumption expenditures price index, a key measure used by the Federal Reserve, rose by only 0. 1% for the month. This modest increase brought the annual inflation rate down to 2. 1%, the lowest it has been this year. This figure was slightly below what experts had predi...

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May 19 2025POLITICS

Walmart's Steady Growth: Why Surprise Billions Are Unlikely

Walmart is a giant in the retail world. It's the biggest retailer on the planet. It has been around for decades and has a reputation for keeping prices low. This is thanks to its massive scale and focus on efficiency. Walmart's business model is all about high volume and low margins. For every dollar it makes, only a tiny fraction turns into profit. This is by desig...

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May 15 2025BUSINESS

Tariffs and Inflation: The Hidden Costs of Trade Wars

The US economy is feeling the pinch of trade tensions. Wholesale prices took a significant dip in April, marking the steepest drop since the COVID-19 pandemic hit. This decline is largely due to the impact of tariffs on profit margins, according to recent data. The Producer Price Index, a key indicator of wholesale inflation, showed a 0. 5% decrease in April c...

reading time about 2 minutes