CPI shelter costs rose in August. What that means for renters and homeowners
The CPI shelter index rose 0.3% in August and 3.0% over the year. Here is why the measure may not match your rent, mortgage or home costs.
Economy
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Census survey shows business cost pressure despite cautious outlook
A new Census survey shows elevated input-cost pressure alongside cautiously positive expectations for business performance, demand and staffing.
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U.S. Productivity Rose in Q2, but Real Compensation Fell
Revised federal data show stronger output per hour in the second quarter, but inflation-adjusted compensation fell, leaving household purchasing power under pressure.
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Russia’s Central Bank Pauses Rate Cuts at 14% as Inflation Persists
Russia’s central bank held its key rate at 14% on Sept. 11 after 10 cuts, citing fuel-related costs, elevated expectations and tight labor conditions.
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U.S. Retail Sales Fell in July, but the Data Need Context
July retail sales fell 0.6%, but earlier Prime Day spending and stronger in-store categories suggest the decline does not tell the whole consumer story.
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Fed Minutes Show Why the Discount Rate Stayed at 3.75%
New Fed minutes show some regional directors sought a 4% discount rate, but the Board kept it at 3.75% as the main policy range also stayed unchanged.
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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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BLS finds March jobs estimate was 79,000 too high
A preliminary BLS benchmark revision lowered the March 2026 jobs estimate by 79,000, with private employment down 178,000. Official tables change in February.
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Fed Chair Warsh keeps September rate hike in play as inflation stays high
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh said inflation remains well above the Fed’s 2% target, keeping a September rate hike possible but far from decided.
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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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U.S. jobless claims fall to 203,000 as hiring stays soft
U.S. jobless claims fell to 203,000, signaling few new layoffs but not strong hiring as workers, job seekers and new entrants face an uneven market.
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Russia Forms Panel to Protect Critical Infrastructure
Russia formed a government panel after Putin authorized temporary management of vulnerable infrastructure, increasing pressure on private operators to protect sites.
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Tennessee unemployment fell in 93 counties in July, but gaps remained
Unemployment declined in 93 Tennessee counties in July, while reported county rates ranged from 2.8% to 5.8%. The next county update is scheduled for September 24.
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July Spending Rose 0.2% as Americans Shifted From Goods to Services
Americans had more income in July, but inflation-adjusted spending was nearly flat as households bought fewer goods and spent more on services.
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July Housing Data Show Why More Permits Have Not Produced More Homes
July permits rose, but starts, completions and new-home sales fell, showing why authorized projects have not yet become available housing.
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U.S. Growth Slowed to 1.5% in the Second Quarter. July Sales Fell
The U.S. economy kept expanding in the second quarter, but slower GDP growth and a July retail-sales decline raise questions about consumer momentum.
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Russia’s Fuel Squeeze Deepens After New Refinery Strike
A reported fourth refinery attack in three days has added pressure to Russia’s uneven fuel supply as queues, sales limits and harvest costs mount.
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U.S. Factory Orders Rose Slightly in June as Demand Stayed Uneven
June durable-goods orders rose 0.3%, while stronger business-equipment shipments pointed to continued investment amid uneven factory demand.
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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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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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U.S. Job Openings Slipped in June as Hiring Held Steady
U.S. job openings eased to 7.4 million in June while hiring, quits and layoffs stayed broadly stable ahead of Friday’s broader jobs report.
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Consumers Kept Spending in June as Saving Rate Fell to 2.7%
U.S. households increased inflation-adjusted spending in June, but slower income growth, lower saving and persistent inflation raised questions about resilience.