The latest federal data shows a broad monthly decline in spending, giving businesses and investors a fresh signal about the strength of the American consumer.

12 August 2026 U.S. consumer prices rose only modestly in July, offering some relief to households as lower gasoline costs helped contain inflation despite persistent pressure from housing and other everyday expenses. The Consumer Price Index was expected to increase 0.1 percent in July after falling 0.4 percent in June, according to economists surveyed by Reuters. On an annual basis, inflation was forecast to ease slightly to 3.4 percent from 3.5 percent in June. The expecte

11 August 2026 Confidence among U.S. small business owners climbed to an 11-month high in July, offering an encouraging signal for the economy even as employers reported growing difficulty finding enough workers to fill open positions. The National Federation of Independent Business said its Small Business Optimism Index increased 2.4 points to 99.8 in July, its highest level since August 2025. The reading also moved above the index's 52-year average of 98, reflecting a notab

07 August 2026 The U.S. labor market was expected to show renewed momentum in July, offering another sign that the economy remains resilient despite months of geopolitical uncertainty and changing conditions for American employers. Economists surveyed by Reuters forecast that nonfarm payrolls increased by 80,000 jobs in July, improving from the 57,000 positions added in June. The unemployment rate was expected to remain unchanged at 4.2 percent, suggesting that businesses are

06 August 2026 The U.S. dollar strengthened against the Japanese yen as investors adopted a cautious stance ahead of crucial American employment data while continuing to monitor negotiations surrounding the conflict with Iran. Currency markets remained relatively restrained, with traders weighing geopolitical uncertainty, oil prices and the possibility of another shift in U.S. interest rates. The dollar gained 0.44 percent against the yen to trade around 158.45, marking its t

20 July 2026 American drivers are once again facing higher costs at the gas pump as the national average price of gasoline has climbed above $4 per gallon. The increase comes after renewed fighting in the Middle East reignited fears over global oil supplies, reversing a period of declining fuel prices that had briefly offered consumers some financial relief. According to market analysts, the latest surge has been driven by escalating tensions between the United States and Ira

06 July 2026 America's services sector remained on solid footing in June, though its pace of growth eased slightly as businesses adjusted to softer demand and lingering economic uncertainty. At the same time, the industry delivered an encouraging surprise by returning to job creation after three consecutive months of declining employment, offering another sign that the labor market continues to show resilience despite broader signs of a cooling economy. According to the lates

03 July 2026 Millions of Americans packed their cars and set out on Independence Day road trips this year, proving that the tradition of Fourth of July travel remains stronger than concerns over rising fuel costs. Even with gasoline prices reaching their highest levels for the holiday since 2022, families across the country continued with vacation plans, weekend getaways, and visits with loved ones, making the holiday one of the busiest travel periods of the year. According t

02 July 2026 The American labor market lost momentum in June as employers added far fewer jobs than expected, signaling that hiring is beginning to cool after months of resilience. While the unemployment rate unexpectedly edged lower, economists say the improvement was largely driven by fewer people participating in the workforce rather than stronger employment growth. Together, the latest figures present a mixed picture of an economy that remains stable but is gradually slow