Why Household Bills Still Feel High as U.S. Inflation Cools
U.S. inflation rose more slowly in July, but rent, shelter and utility costs kept climbing. Here is why household budgets remain strained.
Consumer prices
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U.S. Tariffs on Canadian Imports Take Effect Under Section 338
New U.S. duties of up to 50% now cover more than 550 Canadian products, while Canada has scheduled dollar-for-dollar counter-tariffs for September 8.
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Why inflation can feel worse than the U.S. headline rate
July CPI and PCE data differ because they measure different spending baskets. Here is why rent, utilities, food and gas can shape household inflation differently.
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China’s Retail Growth Slows as Online Shopping Outpaces Stores
China’s July retail growth slowed to 0.6%, missing forecasts, while online commerce, food and convenience stores outperformed several traditional formats.
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Trump’s threatened 50% Canada auto tariff puts U.S. supply chains in focus
A threatened 50% tariff on Canadian vehicles, parts and steel could raise costs and disrupt U.S. auto supply chains, but no January order is final.
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EU’s €3 Duty Is Reshaping Low-Value Online Imports
The EU ended duty-free treatment for most small imports on July 1. Early French customs figures point to a sharp fall in parcel volumes, especially from China.
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July Inflation and Weaker Real Pay Put Fresh Pressure on U.S. Employers
July prices rose modestly, but inflation-adjusted hourly pay fell, creating a difficult balance for U.S. employers, workers and consumer demand.
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U.S. Restaurant Sales Reached a Preliminary $102.5 Billion in June as Price Growth Moderated
Restaurants posted a fourth monthly sales increase in five months, but the latest figures show nominal growth alongside continued pressure from inflation, traffic and operating costs.
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July Inflation Report Set for Aug. 12 After June Consumer Prices Fell 0.4%
The Bureau of Labor Statistics will release the July 2026 Consumer Price Index on Aug. 12. June headline prices fell monthly but remained 3.5% higher than a year earlier.
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July CPI report due Aug. 12 after June energy-driven decline
The July CPI report is due Aug. 12. June prices fell as energy costs dropped, but food, shelter and underlying costs remain key household concerns.
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New 50% Tariffs on Some Canadian Goods Start August 19
New 50% U.S. duties on selected Canadian goods are scheduled for August 19. Here is what is covered, how USMCA treatment changes and who may pay.
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June inflation fell, but groceries and shelter still rose
June CPI fell 0.4% as energy and gasoline prices dropped, but groceries and shelter rose, leaving households with a higher overall price level.
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Twenty-five states sue to block Trump’s latest tariffs
Twenty-five states are challenging new forced-labor tariffs, arguing they improperly recreate duties the Supreme Court rejected under IEEPA.
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Small businesses challenge Trump’s newest tariff regime in trade court
Small importers are challenging new Section 301 tariffs in trade court, arguing USTR did not justify country-specific duties tied to forced labor.
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UK shop-price inflation slows as supermarket promotions spread
British shop-price inflation slowed to 0.9% in July, but prices remained higher than a year earlier as food and seasonal promotions restrained increases.
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New 50% Canada tariffs are due Aug. 19. What to watch
New 50% duties on selected Canadian vehicles, alcohol and dairy are scheduled for Aug. 19. Importers and shoppers should watch classifications, prices and talks.
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U.S. Replaces Expiring Global Tariff With Duties on 60 Economies
New 10% and 12.5% duties took effect July 24 as a temporary global tariff expired, affecting imports from 60 economies with product exemptions.
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June CPI Fell as Gasoline Dropped, but Groceries Stayed Higher
U.S. consumer prices fell in June as energy costs dropped, but grocery and electricity prices remained above year-earlier levels, limiting relief for many households.
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June CPI report: Inflation cooled, but core and gasoline still matter for budgets
June CPI-U fell 0.4% in June on gasoline/energy drops, while core (less food & energy) was flat. Here’s what that means for budgets.
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June inflation cooled—but core and shelter still matter for household budgets
June CPI cooled mainly as gasoline prices fell, but core stayed flat and shelter rose—so many household bills may not feel big relief yet.
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DOJ and 17 AGs seek Tunney Act approval for egg price benchmark settlement
DOJ and 17 state AGs filed proposed Tunney Act settlements June 30 to stop alleged egg benchmark bidding that they say can lift wholesale costs.
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June CPI shelter and rent cooled—why it may shift mortgage expectations
June CPI data showed smaller shelter inflation, including OER and rent of primary residence. Here’s what that could mean for mortgage-rate expectations.