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.
Inflation
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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.
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U.S. inflation hit 4.2% in May as gas surged, even as pump prices eased
May inflation rose 4.2% over the past year as gas and energy pushed prices higher, even though national pump prices have eased a bit.
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United States gas prices ease, but May inflation stayed hot
U.S. gas prices eased again this week, but May CPI and PPI still showed energy-driven price pressure for households and businesses across the economy.
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U.S. inflation hits 4.2% in May as gas and shelter push costs higher
U.S. inflation accelerated in May, with the CPI up 4.2% year over year as gasoline and shelter kept pressure on commuting and household budgets.
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U.S. inflation hits 4.2% in May as gas costs keep budgets under pressure
May inflation rose 4.2% from a year earlier as gasoline stayed expensive, consumers kept spending, and households had little savings cushion.
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U.S. job openings rose in April, but hiring slowed as employers stayed cautious
April job openings rose even as hiring slowed, while the Fed said employment was mostly flat and consumer spending and prices stayed under pressure.
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U.S. inflation stayed at 3.8% in April as gas and grocery costs lingered
April CPI and PCE both ran at 3.8% year over year, while gas prices and softer confidence kept pressure on U.S. household budgets in May.
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U.S. inflation climbed in April as retail sales kept rising
April inflation sped up to 3.8% while retail sales rose 0.5%, leaving households with higher costs even as consumer spending stayed resilient.
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U.S. productivity slows in Q1 as labor costs rise
New BLS data show slower productivity and higher labor costs in Q1, a fresh signal on inflation, business margins, and Fed caution.
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USTR tariff hearings could shape import costs and consumer prices
USTR hearings this week could lead to new trade actions on excess capacity, with possible ripple effects for prices and supply chains.