Fed Holds Rates Steady as Three Officials Favor an Increase
The Federal Reserve held rates at 3.50% to 3.75%, but three officials wanted an increase as inflation stayed above the central bank’s 2% goal.
Inflation
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U.S. Consumer Confidence Slips as Gas Prices Rise Again
U.S. consumer confidence fell in July as national gasoline and diesel prices climbed, signaling household concern without proving that consumer spending has slowed.
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The Fed’s July 28-29 Meeting: What a Rate Decision Could Mean for Borrowers and Savers
The Fed’s July 28-29 meeting is weighing inflation, growth and credit conditions. The July 29 decision could affect borrowing costs, savings yields and markets.
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South Korea Raises Rates as Chip Growth Meets Inflation Risks
South Korea lifted its benchmark rate to 2.75% as semiconductor-led growth strengthens, while inflation, housing prices and household debt pressure policymakers.
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June Wholesale Prices Fell, but Services Still Rose
U.S. producer prices fell 0.3% in June as goods and energy costs eased, but rising services prices show why household inflation may remain uneven.
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Fed warns inflation is rising again ahead of July rate meeting
The Federal Reserve says inflation accelerated as energy, food and tariff pressures weigh on households before its July 28-29 policy meeting.
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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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USDA Forecasts: Food Prices Still Expected to Climb in 2026—Budget Takeaways
USDA’s ERS updated its food-price outlook on July 24. It expects groceries and dining out to rise again in 2026 and stay pressured into 2027.
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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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Wholesale inflation fell in June as gasoline prices dropped: what PPI signals
United States Prices and Inflation Watch — June PPI fell 0.3%, led by gasoline. Here’s how producer-price changes can hit store costs later.
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Grocery pressure watch: USDA meat, eggs and dairy outlook vs latest CPI
USDA’s July 16, 2026 meat-and-dairy outlook updates forecasts for beef, pork, poultry, eggs, and milk—then we compare to BLS’s July 14 “food at home” CPI.
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Producer prices fell 0.3% in June as energy drops—does it signal CPI relief?
June’s producer-price drop was led by energy and gasoline, while services stayed firm—here’s what that “pipeline” suggests for CPI in the months ahead.
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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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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.
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May PCE inflation gauge rises: core PCE for grocery, rent, borrowing costs
United States Prices and Inflation Watch – BEA reports May PCE prices up 0.4% MoM and 4.1% YoY; core PCE up 0.3% MoM and 3.4% YoY—grocery, rent and borrowing takeaways.
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Jobs and pay cooling—or not? What June 2026’s employment report says for wage pressure
United States Prices and Inflation Watch – June’s jobs report shows hiring slowed and unemployment stayed near 4.2%, while pay rose—what that signals next.
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USDA says grocery costs will keep rising, with beef still a pressure point
United States Consumer Costs and Household Budgets – USDA’s June outlook says grocery prices should keep edging up in 2026, with beef remaining one of the biggest household-budget pressure points. ([ers.usda.gov](https://ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-price-outlook/summary-findings?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000618&utm_source=openai))
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Warsh’s first House hearing spotlights Fed independence and inflation
House Financial Services set Kevin Warsh’s July 14 monetary-policy hearing, putting rates, inflation, and Fed independence in focus.
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July 4 gas prices are easing, but holiday drivers still face a costly weekend
United States Prices and Inflation Watch – Gasoline is cheaper than late spring, but 72.2 million July 4 travelers still face a costly fill-up.
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U.S. consumers kept spending in May, but inflation stayed sticky above 4%
United States Small Business and Main Street Economy – May spending rose 0.7% and the PCE price index was 4.1% higher than a year ago, keeping pressure on Main Street budgets and Fed watchers.
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May PCE inflation hit 4.1%, keeping pressure on the Fed
United States Prices and Inflation Watch — BEA said May PCE prices rose 4.1% year over year and core PCE rose 3.4%, leaving price pressure and Fed policy in focus. ([bea.gov](https://www.bea.gov/news/2026/personal-income-and-outlays-may-2026))
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Retail sales rose in May, but June sentiment shows consumers are still cautious
United States Small Business and Main Street Economy – May retail sales climbed, and June sentiment improved, but shoppers are still watching prices and gas costs.